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This baked parmesan garlic herb salmon in foil will win you over! The foil seals in the amazing flavor and bakes the salmon to tender and flaky perfection!
I LOVE salmon and it’s always my favorite thing to order it’s on the menu! I can’t get enough of how delicate and delicious it is. You have to try these tried and true favorites like Air Fryer Salmon, these Croquettes, and my Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon!
Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil
Making the salmon in foil keeps the flavors and moisture in for a fool-proof dinner that is luscious. I LOVED the flavor that the parmesan garlic herb gave to this salmon. It turns out tender and flakey and packed with all of my favorite flavors. The garlic herb butter takes salmon to the next level! It’s so tender and flakey that the salmon literally falls apart with a fork. Broiling the top for a couple of minutes crisps the edges and creates the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for this baked salmon in foil to melt in your mouth!
The method of baking salmon in foil just may be my very favorite! It’s easy to prepare and it bakes up quickly for those busy nights. And the best part is that clean-up is a breeze! I just crumble up the foil and throw away the mess. For more foil dinners try making these hobo dinners, these fajitas, or another easy salmon recipe with summer veggies!
Ingredients Needed
Super easy with simple ingredients, you can prep this baked parmesan garlic herb salmon recipe in no time! Most of the ingredients you most likely will have on hand. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Salmon: This works for all varieties of salmon and cuts. I used king salmon, but pick your favorite!
- Butter: You want it good and soft but not melted.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon and salmon are the perfect pairing of flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps everything stick together.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will taste best but you can use jarred in a pinch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own cheese for the best flavor and melting ability.
- Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of several herbs that taste amazing together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a bit of freshness!
The Best Parmesan Garlic Encrusted Salmon Recipe
This baked parmesan garlic salmon in foil is my go-to meal to impress my quests. Especially when they stop by last minute because it’s super easy to get to the dinner table. A five-star baked salmon meal that will wow your family!
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Layout a piece of foil long enough to fold up the salmon inside.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl combine the softened butter, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Prep the Salmon: Place the salmon skin side down on the foil. Spread the mixture evenly on top of the salmon. Gather the foil around the edges of the salmon, but do not cover the salmon completely.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is firm. Broil the top for the last 1-2 minutes to brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
All About Baked Salmon in Foil
Picking good-quality salmon at the grocery store can be intimidating so here is what you need to know! Here are my tips to help you out and to know the differences between salmon at the store.
- Types of Salmon: Wild, farm, and International are all types of salmon that can be found in stores today. There are a lot of pros and cons so I would highly recommend doing your research. I would recommend avoiding internationally caught or farmed salmon at all costs. They are not regulated like the US and they often use antibiotics, and pesticides that are not allowed in the US. They also often misuse wastewater, potentially contaminating the fish.
- Cuts of Salmon: Salmon is sold as a whole filet, a small filet, or as salmon cuts. Whole and small filets are the most common and easiest to cook and find. Salmon steaks are U-shaped with part of the spine in the middle.
- What to Look For In Buying Salmon: When buying fresh salmon, look for glossy and firm-to-touch. Salmon meat should be bright and saturated in color. Do not buy salmon that is chalky, dry, sticky, or too soft to the touch. Avoid salmon that has cracks or breaks in the muscle or collagen sheaths. Fish should smell fresh, clean, and slightly briny like the ocean, never fishy.
- Fresh vs Frozen: Buy fresh if you are using the fish within 2 days, otherwise stick to frozen. Salmon is often frozen immediately after being caught and preserves the nutrients and freshness.
Tips For Making Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil
So juicy and so full of flavor these tips are going to help make an amazing foil salmon! Once you pick your salmon this baked salmon in foil is easy to make and tastes amazing with my parmesan garlic herb butter.
- Golden Crust: When the salmon is just about done, open the foil and broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This will create a perfect crust on top of the salmon!
- When is the Salmon Done? The best way to tell if salmon is done is to look at it. The salmon flakes easily when it is finished cooking and it will also change in color from translucent to opaque. The internal temperature should be 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do Not Overcook: It is easy to overcook salmon and then it becomes tough and dry. It is better to undercook it slightly and let it finish cooking as it rests than to overcook it.
- Using Frozen: I use frozen salmon filets all the time and they work beautifully. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can also thaw the salmon in a bowl of cold water that you change every 10-15 minutes till it is thawed.
- Can I leave the Skin? Yes if your salmon has the skin on, you can leave it on! It has great nutrients. Be sure to rinse your salmon and pat dry with a paper towel before placing the skin side down on the foil.
Storing Leftover Salmon
This baked salmon in foil is great for lunch the next day! The salmon warms up perfectly and the leftovers are still flakey and delicious.
- In the Refrigerator: Leftovers can last for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To Reheat: When you are ready to eat your leftovers, cooking them up in the air fryer is my favorite way! Reheat them in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes. It keeps the texture perfectly flaky every time. Alternatively, you can reheat any leftovers in the microwave until warmed through!
Perfect Sides to Serve With Salmon
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Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon of choice
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut a piece of foil long enough to fold up around the salmon. Place the foil on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl combine the softened butter, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Place the salmon skin side down on the foil. Gather the foil around the edges of the salmon, but do not cover the salmon completely. Spread the mixture evenly on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is firm. Broil the top for the last 1-2 minutes to brown.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I want to made this. Could I have my husband grill in foil on his grill? Love your recipes ♥️
Yes! I love grilled salmon! Try out this recipe: Awesome Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Maybe I’m missing something, but are you supposed to cover the salmon with foil as well?
No, just wrap the foil around the outside of the salmon, the top will be exposed!
It would be great if that was clarified in the recipe instructions.
I used frozen Salmon and wrapped it fully for 30 mins then uncovered it for 10 min then broiled it for about 8 mins. It was perfect.
This was FANTASTIC . Omg im already thinking about the next time im going to make it !
I do not usually leave ratings on recipes, but this one was absolutely delicious! We will definitely be making this again! Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely delicious! Crunchy after broiling, so tasty!
This recipe has been a staple of ours for 6 years now! Thanks for such a great recipe! Yum!
This is a hit! Every single time I’ve made this my family and friends LOVE it. 10/10 would def recommend!
We regularly bake, pan fry, barbecue salmon with many different recipes, but this by far is the best. Wouldn’t change a thing other than we needed extra time for cooking as our salmon fillet was rather thick. Thanks for a great recipe.
This is the BEST salmon recipe EVER. Like ever. Super easy to make – and will for sure impress your family. THE GREATEST RECIPE EVER !!!!!!!!
This is my go to salmon recipe because I usually have all the ingredients already in the house. I absolutely love making the salmon in the foil, it’s super easy clean-up and beyond delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Salmon is one of my favorite foods. I always eat it at least 3x a week. My hubby says I’m part bear. This was such a simple recipe and came out sooo tasty! I’m trying to stay away from cooking in foil, so next time I will try this in parchment paper. But I definitely will be putting this on my favorites list. Thank you!
This is so, so good! And simple to make. Thank you.
It’s helpful to read through all your helpful information and tips before preparing and cooking the fish. I tend to do the “jump to recipe” on new recipes. I’m glad I read through everything on this recipe.
Going to try it, but will use parchment paper as aluminum foil is not something that should be next to food as it leaches aluminum into the food….
This is my favorite go-to recipe for salmon! Simple, easy and delicious…. great with a side of green beans and wild rice!
Loved this recipe! I used a side of salmon so I doubled the ingredients and cooked for almost twice as long. I used fresh shredded Parmesan and dried parsley. I will definitely be making this on a regular basis!
Hi Alyssa: This looks great. If I would like to prepare this on the grill and finish up under the broiler, would the cook time remain the same?
WOW! That sounds like a great idea! Let me know how it turns out! XOXO
Did you use fresh Parmesan cheese or the kind in the canister for this baked Parmesan garlic herb salmon?
I like to use the parmesan from the canister for this recipe. The fresh parmesan would also work too though. Hope you enjoy!! XOXO