This easy oven roasted salmon is a real treat! It has a crispy skin that just pops with flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights!
When I make this, I love to serve it with some fresh veggies or a salad. It always feels fancy while being super simple. Who knew healthy could taste this great? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: The star of this dish! Fresh, high-quality salmon is best, but you could swap it for trout or other fatty fish if needed. Canned salmon works too, just skip the skin step.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps make the skin crispy. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter would be good alternatives.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a great taste. If you don’t have any, garlic powder can work, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is flavorful, but dried thyme can be used. If you’re not a thyme fan, parsley or dill would also work well.
Honey or Butter: For drizzling at the end, honey adds sweetness while butter adds richness. Both are optional but recommended for extra flavor!
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy?
Getting the skin perfectly crispy is key to this dish. Here are some tips to achieve that delightful texture:
- Start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels; moisture will steam the skin instead of crisping it.
- Cooking at a high temperature is essential, so don’t skip the 425°F (220°C) preheat step.
- Use a good amount of oil—brushing it on the skin helps it crisp up nicely. Make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Broil the salmon for a minute or two at the end for added crispiness, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
With these simple tips, you’ll serve a delicious salmon dish every time! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Oven Roasted Salmon with Crispy Skin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Salmon Fillets: 4 salmon fillets, skin on (about 6 ounces each)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for drizzling)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Garnishes: Lemon slices (for garnish and roasting)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional: Honey or melted butter for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need around 12-15 minutes for cooking. If you choose to broil the salmon for extra crispiness, you’ll need an additional 1-2 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious dish ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coat of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Take the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the fillets is crucial to achieving that fabulous crispy skin. It’s time to get them ready for seasoning!
3. Making the Flavor Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Stir it all together until the mixture is well combined.
4. Seasoning the Fillets:
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Now, brush the top of each fillet generously with your flavorful olive oil mixture. Get that goodness all over so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Adding Lemon:
Take those lovely lemon slices and arrange them around the salmon on the baking sheet. They add brightness and flavor to the dish, plus they look pretty!
6. Baking the Salmon:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the salmon bake for about 12-15 minutes. It’s done when it’s just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it, and if you want that skin super crispy, get ready for the next step.
7. Broiling for Extra Crispiness:
If you love crispy skin (who doesn’t?!), switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close watch so it doesn’t burn—just until it’s gloriously golden brown.
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, you can drizzle a little honey or melted butter over the top for a touch of sweet richness—totally optional but highly recommended!
9. Finishing Touches:
All that’s left is to garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a few extra lemon slices for serving. It’s all about that presentation!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your perfectly roasted salmon immediately with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This easy oven roasted salmon with crispy skin is not only delicious but also a healthy choice perfect for any meal. Enjoy the burst of garlic and herb flavors with every bite!
FAQ for Easy Oven Roasted Salmon with Crispy Skin
Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or for a quick method, place the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No worries! You can substitute it with avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but still work beautifully for this recipe.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While it’s best to cook salmon fresh, you can prepare the garlic and herb mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. You could also season the salmon fillets and keep them covered in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave, ensuring you don’t overcook it to keep the fish moist.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions! Enjoy your salmon!
