Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon

This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that combines flaky salmon fillets with a golden, crispy topping of Parmesan, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
• Parchment paper or foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the base of this dish, providing a buttery, tender texture.
• Topping: A mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs for a crispy, savory crust.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and lemon juice enhance the flavor of the salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the salmon
   Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Make the topping
   In a small mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried parsley, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble
   Evenly spoon the Parmesan mixture over the salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle a little olive oil over the topping to help it brown.
5. Bake
   Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden and crispy.
6. Optional broil
   For an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve
   Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

12–15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~4g
• Protein: ~30g

Expert Tips

• Room temperature salmon
  Let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
• Thickness matters
  Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your fillets. A general rule is 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
• Panko substitute
  Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko yields a crispier texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp topping.

Substitutions & Variations

• Herb mix: Use fresh thyme, dill, or basil for added flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon

This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that combines flaky salmon fillets with a golden, crispy topping of Parmesan, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

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Equipment

• - Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
• - Parchment paper or foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
• - Small mixing bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• - 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• - 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• - 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
• - 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
• - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• - Optional garnish: fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the oven**
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• **Prepare the salmon**
• Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• **Make the topping**
• In a small mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried parsley, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until well combined.
• **Assemble**
• Evenly spoon the Parmesan mixture over the salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere. Drizzle a little olive oil over the topping to help it brown.
• **Bake**
• Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden and crispy.
• **Optional broil**
• For an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• **Serve**
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.