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This oven baked salmon recipe has been a dinner staple at our house for years. Pan searing salmon is the best way to get crispy skin, but you’ll want to know how to cook salmon in the oven for those times that you want a hands-off option. Like baked cod, sea bass with blanc sauce, baked halibut and rainbow trout, it’s a quick and easy fish recipe that comes out tender and flaky, with plenty of flavor.
This simple baked salmon is a basic way to cook this fish and great for beginners. Not only is baking salmon easy, but it’s made with simple ingredients — and totally delicious. It doesn’t need any sauces, either. And, if you want a crispy skin in the oven, try my broiled salmon next!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
- Bright and fresh taste from lemon, olive oil, dill, and parsley
- Tender, flaky salmon texture
- Just 6 simple ingredients
- Only 5 minutes to prep, ready in 15!
- Quick and easy healthy dinner
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baked salmon recipes, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Choosing The Salmon:
Healthy baked salmon recipes will work with pretty much any salmon you buy, but here are some things to look for if you want the best baked salmon:
- Salmon variety: King salmon, coho salmon, or pink salmon are the best varieties for baking, but sockeye is also delicious. Atlantic salmon is always farmed so I typically avoid it. Learn more about the different varieties in my pan seared salmon post.
- Skin on vs. skinless: Salmon with skin is very important for pan seared salmon, but when you’re baking salmon, it doesn’t matter as much. I still find that getting skin-on salmon leaves you with the best flavor, so get that if you can, but skinless is just fine as well. If you get salmon with skin, remove the scales with a knife if they are present.
- Thickness: For baked salmon, the thickness of your salmon doesn’t really matter, just keep in mind that it will affect cook time. I try to buy salmon that is about an inch thick and uniform in thickness, so that it cooks evenly.
- Appearance: Look for firm, fresh fish that’s a shade of pink-orange in color, though exact color will vary depending on the variety.
- Whole vs individual fillets: You can bake a whole salmon fillet or individual ones, but I think individual fillets are the best way to cook salmon in the oven, because they cook more evenly. You can use this same baked salmon recipe for a large fillet as well, but will need to cook it on a sheet pan and it will take longer.
Baked Salmon Seasonings:
- Olive Oil – Oil ensures that the fish stays moist and flavorful. You can also use avocado oil, or even melted butter.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, or bottled for convenience.
- Garlic – Crushed or minced. Use fresh garlic cloves if you like them crushed, or for minced garlic, you can mince it fresh or use the jarred kind. If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Fresh Herbs – I used fresh dill and fresh parsley for this baked salmon recipe, but thyme would also go nicely. Dried herbs are not recommended, but if you really want to use them in a pinch, use 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
- Lemon slices – Optional, but adds a nice flavor and presentation.
How To Cook Salmon In The Oven
This section shows how to cook salmon in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Mix marinade. In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. We’re not actually going to marinate it for this baked salmno recipe, but just brush this on and bake right away. (Alternatively, you can make my other salmon marinade recipe instead and marinate it.)
- Season salmon. Place the fish in a baking dish (or on a rimmed baking sheet), with space between the fillets. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Brush with olive oil mixture on both sides (you can also just drizzle it on, but brushing coats the fish more evenly). Season with sea salt and black pepper, and top with the lemon slices, if using.
- Bake salmon. Cook salmon in the oven until it flakes easily with a fork. (For best results, see below for the ideal internal temperature.) If you like, sprinkle more fresh herbs on top for serving.
How Long To Bake Salmon?
Salmon bake time will depend on the thickness of your salmon, but a good estimate is 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F. This is the optimal salmon oven temp because it’s high enough to cook the fish quickly without drying it out, but low enough to prevent burning.
For the perfect baked salmon recipe, you’ll want to check the internal temperature using an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon, rather than simply testing if the fish flakes with a fork. Here is a temperature guide to know when it’s done to your liking:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Medium rare | 120-125 degrees F (48-52 degrees C) |
| Medium | 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) |
| Medium well | 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) |
| Well done | 140-145 degrees F (60-63 degrees C) |
Tips For The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
- Let the salmon fillets come to room temperature if you have time. Just set them on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly.
- Pat dry before seasoning. This helps to lock in moisture during cooking.
- If your salmon has skin, be sure it ends up skin side down. You’ll brush the mixture on both sides, but bake with the skin against the baking dish.
- Don’t overcook. The key to moist, flaky salmon is the right cook time. An internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F is ideal.
Can You Bake Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you can bake frozen salmon! Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The total cook time is 20-25 minutes.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep any leftovers of this easy oven baked salmon recipe in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Mix the olive oil mixture ahead and bake the day-of, OR bake salmon in the oven and then portion into individual containers to simply reheat later.
- Reheat: Reheating salmon in the air fryer is my favorite method to avoid drying it out (about 3 minutes at 325 degrees F), but you can also use the oven. Place salmon in a baking dish covered tightly with foil and reheat in the oven at 325 degrees F, until warm. It’s also delicious chilled or at room temperature. Microwaving fish is not recommended, but can be done in a pinch.
- Freeze: You can freeze baked salmon fillets by wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Baked Salmon Recipes
This easy baked salmon recipe goes perfectly with simple side dishes, such as:
- Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus (the most classic pairing), green beans almondine (pictured above!), roasted brussels sprouts, zucchini noodles, or roasted broccoli.
- Salads – Baked salmon works well with fresh salads, like tomato cucumber avocado salad, Caprese salad, or Mediterranean quinoa salad.
- Rice – White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Potatoes – For a more filling meal, add roasted potatoes to baked sweet potatoes to your baked salmon recipe and vegetable side dish. Or make Instant Pot baked potatoes while cooking salmon in the oven.
More Healthy Salmon Recipes
If you like this baked salmon recipe, you’ll love these other ways to prepare this fish:
Recommended Tools
- Baking Dish – Functional, durable, and beautiful… I use this for so many meals.
- Meat Thermometer – The secret to the best baked salmon recipe? Cooking your salmon to the right temperature, so it’s not dried out.
How To Cook Salmon In The Oven
Oven Baked Salmon Recipe (Easy & Flaky!)
Learn how to cook salmon in the oven perfectly! This easy oven baked salmon recipe is fresh, flavorful, healthy, and ready in 15 minutes.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and parsley.
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Arrange salmon fillets in a stoneware baking dish, with space between them. Use paper towels to pat them dry.
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Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. If desired place a thin lemon slice over each piece of salmon.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 120-125 degrees F (48-52 degrees C) for medium rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium, 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) for medium well, or 140-145 degrees F (60-63 degrees C) for well done.
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Readers Who Liked This Easy Recipe Also Made:
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 salmon fillet
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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98 Comments
Barbara
1Our salmon turned out delicious. Easy preparation and made clean up quick. We made it on our stoneware baking dish 11 x13 with 1 inch sides. We baked our whole salmon filet with skin side down. We added a sprinkle of paprika.This was a good healthy recipe.
Whiteflower
1I normally don’t like salmon, but this recipe changes everything! The fish was awesome on its own, but I added a creamy lemon sauce (mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder and sweetener) which took it over the top! Hubby ate seconds and said it was worthy of a five star restaurant – high praise indeed!
Thanks, Maya – this one is a home run!!
Terri
0I have thin sliced salmon what would I bake that at and for how long? And do I use the same seasonings as above?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Terri, I have never heard of thin sliced raw salmon… is your salmon already smoked?
Lisa Hatten
0Excellent recipe. Love the fresh herbs. 14 minutes at 400 is perfect every time. I like to top the salmon (I use Steelhead) with a sour cream, butter, and lemon sauce.
Melissa
0I love this recipe, it has become my go-to recipe for an easy weeknight meal. I also love the leftovers to add to salad for lunch the next day!
Lisa Simmons
0This was so awesome. My husband doesn’t like fish but he loved this recipe
Jann
0I made this with Wild Alaskan Fish coho salmon. Herbs were parsley and oregano (I know, a weird combination). Really, really good.
Sexton
0I don’t eat fish or seafood, but my husband LOVES Salmon. I usually do not attempt seafood recipes, but this recipe was easy to follow and we had all ingredients on hand! My husband wants to try it grilled next time. He HIGHLY recommend leaving the skin on, since it added to the flavor rating. Even our picky teenager loved it! He said he loved the juiciness.
Jennifer
0Look delicious can’t wait to try it!
iylia hagan
0Can’t wait to try it for my type one diabetic daughter.
Elizabeth English
0We really enjoyed this. I often bypass cooking fish as I’m never sure it’ll cook ok, and here in the UK it’s too expensive an ingredient to get wrong, so I was delighted and relieved this was moist and delicious! My husband isn’t a fan of fish but he said he’d have this again, so high praise indeed!
Jessica Munoz
0Another wonderful recipe from Maya! My kids even ate it (and they are pretty picky when it comes to seafood/fish). It was the prefect amount of lemon and was not dry at all. I ended up topping my baking dish with foil to keep more moisture and then removed during the last 5 mins. Paired with some grilled veggies- Amazing!!
Sally Edward
0It was moist and had so much flavor, it was delectable! I’ve made baked salmon many times but this tasted better, or as good as, any of them.
It was also easier. By mixing up the Olive oil mixture ahead of time, it made it easy to put it in the oven more quickly.
Anita
0I made this for my husband. I personally do not eat salmon. Usually, I cook this in the air-fryer for him. He thoroughly enjoyed this new recipe. I served it in a low carb tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes & spicy mayonnaise. He said the lemon & dill gave it a light fresh taste and loved that it was flaky.
Cheryl
0Oh My! Made Blackened Salmon for dinner tonight with asparagus in a cheese cream sauce and a salad with fig balsamic and blood orange oil dressing.It was fantastic! We have been following Maya for 3 years now and this recipe is in the top ten. He said after dinner, “This is definitely a keeper!”
Arlene
0I would love to try this baked salmon, it sounds great!
Helen Sohne
0The perfect way to make salmon. We had recently made a salmon dish but this was the easiest method I have tried. It turned out moist and delicious.We had it with the sliced lemon. I liked eating the baked lemon too!
Dianne Fowler
0Made it! Love it! Quick and simple to make. Delicious tonight and leftovers will be delicious tomorrow. Keto and low carb eating has allowed me to finally drop massive pounds, while eating clean and healthy. Thank you, Wholesome Yum!
Ruth
0This was so easy to make and I appreciated the exact timings for different doneness, my biggest issue with baking salmon is that I am always afraid to overcook it, and when I took it out at 11 minutes it was the perfect doneness for my taste.
Jenn
0Delicious way to make salmon. Fish always intimidates me, but this recipe was a home run and was so easy to prepare! Very versatile too!
Sharon
0Made this Salmon. It was better than any other recipe I have tried. It was flavorful, moist not dry. Definitely will make it again.
Nick Islam
0The best salmon I ever tasted, moist and full of flavor. Will use this recipe over and over.
Kathy
0I made it and will make it again and again! Absolutely delicious and so simple. I used coho salmon (from Wild Alaskan). Sweet potatoes and broccoli for sides. No leftovers! Thank you!
Teri Lover
0I’m not a fan of salmon, so I made it for my friend, and she loved it! It’s juicy and very flavorful and fits right into a keto program.
Rebecca
0This was delicious! We used the toaster oven so it was longer than 15 min, but that’s ok. Better that than heating the house up! My husbands was a bit dryer than mine in the middle, but I think it was just thinner. Unfortunately there aren’t usually filets exactly the same lol! Thank you
Sharon
0I made this salmon recipe. It totally surprised me on how flavorful it tasted. Very easy to make.
Karlee
0Loved this recipe! It gave me confidence to cook salmon. It was simple and delicious!!
Lisa Lewis
0My daughter made it for me using your recipe and it turned out delicious and perfect!!!
davidkarlwebb
0Quick easy recipe that taste great.
Robin
0My husband made this salmon last night and it was delicious! Easy and healthy! Thank you! We ate skin too.
Linda
0Love, love this recipe! So easy, full of flavor! Will make this again and again.
Lesli
0The baked salmon was delicious, juicy, before when I cooked it it was dry and over burnt, I accompanied it with broccoli. Love this recipe
Tina
0I made this and it was so yummy! I had to use dried dill and dried parsley as I didn’t have any fresh. I also used avocado oil instead of olive oil. I lined the pan with foil for easy cleanup. I wished I had doubled the recipe, it was so good I wanted more!
Faye
0I made this with flounder and my family loved it. Will be using this alot.
Yolanda
0Absolutely beautiful. I used dried Thyme instead of fresh herbs. Cooked it in the air fryer, skin side up, 12 in 200C. I brushed she skin with the marine before I cooked it. The skin became lovely and crisp. An amazing dish.
Jeff
0I cook salmon twice per week. This is a great and easy recipe that I have added to my favorite recipes. Thanks Maya!
Cher
0This is the best baked salmon and it is so quick and easy! We love it rare – medium rare and it is outstanding. Thanks.
Karen Wilk
0Delicious, definitely ‘wholesome yum’ – as it was too warm to turn on the oven, we cooked it on our ‘Traeger’ which worked really well!
Kathryn
0Made ahead for lunch today. Turned out moist and delicious! Skeptical about salmon but made me excited to try your other variations. Thank you for your excellent directions!
Cecilia
0I’ve always had trouble cooking salmon – until I found this recipe. It works every time and the taste is wonderful.
Rita
0We loved this salmon! The recipe was easy to make and came out perfectly, so I made it again. The 2nd time, I turned on the broiler a few minutes before it was done and slightly browned the salmon on top. Will definitely make this over and over and over!