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Crispy Baked Salmon Recipe – Easy Lemon Dill Sauce for Perfect Restaurant-Quality Dinner

crispy baked salmon - featured image

This crispy baked salmon recipe delivers ultra-crispy skin and tender, flaky fish, topped with a zesty lemon dill sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing the pan)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil and brush with olive oil.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  3. Drizzle or brush the tops of the salmon with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over the salmon fillets.
  4. Bake on the middle rack for 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is ready when flesh flakes easily and skin is deep golden brown. For extra crisp, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  5. While salmon bakes, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as desired. Chill until serving.
  6. Let salmon rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes. Use a wide spatula to lift and serve each fillet. Spoon lemon dill sauce over the top or serve on the side with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets with skin on. Pat the skin dry thoroughly for maximum crispiness. If you prefer a dairy-free sauce, substitute plant-based yogurt and mayo. The sauce can be doubled and used as a dip for veggies or potatoes. For extra crunch, broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy salmon, baked salmon, lemon dill sauce, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, gluten-free, weeknight meal, seafood, oven baked salmon, family dinner