Easy Oven Baked Salmon (Flaky & Tender)

This oven baked salmon recipe is the best solution for a quick, healthy dinner. Salmon is a staple in my kitchen because it is versatile and takes very little effort to cook correctly. It works perfectly for a simple family meal or a holiday spread.

🧡 Why You'll Love This Recipe

I return to this oven baked salmon constantly for one simple reason. The result is juicy and flavorful without the mess of stovetop frying.

Salmon is an exceptional protein source. It provides about 30 grams per 6-ounce fillet. It is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for adults and kids alike.

You do not need expensive cuts to get a great result. Even affordable fillets or steaks turn out delicious when seasoned and baked at the right temperature.

💭 What Type of Salmon Do I Use?

There are several types of salmon you can use for this recipe. Some popular types are Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, or king salmon. 

Salmon is also classified as either wild-caught or farm-raised. As the name implies, this refers to whether the salmon was caught in its natural habitat or raised in a farm enclosure. There is much debate about which is better, but I prefer to use wild-caught salmon.

🧾 Ingredients I Use

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• Fresh Salmon: I use pre-cut wild salmon filets for this recipe, but you can buy a large piece of salmon and cut it yourself. You can use any type of salmon, and it will turn out just as delicious. 
• Olive oil: This will be used to coat the salmon with seasoning before baking.
• Homemade fish seasoning: For this recipe, I use my easy homemade fish seasoning, which is made with simple ingredients like smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper.

🔪 How To Make Oven Baked Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, add the olive oil and mix in the fish seasoning. Rub the oil and seasoning mixture all over the salmon using a brush or your hands.
2. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon on it, skin side down.
3. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 145°F and it is fork tender.
4. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices or red pepper flakes, and serve!

♨️ How To Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the salmon in the oven at 275°F for about 15 minutes. Adding a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating helps prevent the fish from drying out.

If you want to reheat your salmon in the microwave, cover it with a paper towel or lid before microwaving it.

💡 My Expert Tips

• To spice things up, add your favorite fresh herbs and spices. You can use basil, oregano, fresh dill, or parsley.
• Wrapping your salmon in parchment paper or foil before baking is a great way to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Top up with some lemon juice or garnish with lemon wedges for a nice, tangy flavor.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the salmon reaches 145F before serving.
• If your salmon is very thick, bake it for at least 15 minutes, then check using a thermometer.

🍽️ What To Serve With This

This baked salmon recipe goes with so many side dishes. Some of my favorite healthy sides are:

• Keto Mashed Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Chicken Brochettes
• Keto' Potato' Salad
• Instant Pot Asparagus
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Instant Pot Broccoli

This tasty salmon recipe is also perfect for your holiday table or a special occasion. I like to serve it sometimes during Christmas instead of turkey or chicken. My family cannot get enough of it!

👩‍🍳 Questions You Might Have

Originally published in Dec 2022, this post was updated in April 2026 for accuracy and to include more helpful content.

📖 Recipe