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Crispy Baked Lemon Herb Salmon

crispy baked lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked salmon with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs that delivers tender flaky fish with a zesty punch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz (170 g) each, wild-caught recommended
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chopped dill, parsley, thyme, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  4. Brush the salmon generously with the lemon herb marinade on both sides, especially the skin side. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Place salmon fillets skin-side down, spaced slightly apart.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and is moist inside. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium doneness.
  7. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use a hot oven at 425°F and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crisp skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper air circulation. Salmon reheats well and flavors deepen after a day. For stovetop cooking, pan-sear skin-side down for 3-4 minutes then finish in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, crispy salmon, healthy dinner, quick salmon recipe, fresh herbs, easy salmon