Easy Baked Salmon in Foil

If you want a healthy dinner that's fast, easy and tastes great, try baked salmon in foil. You wrap the salmon in foil with lemon, garlic, butter and herbs. The foil traps the steam, so the fish cooks gently and stays juicy and tender. When it's done, you just throw away the foil. Almost no cleanup!

It's ready in about 20 minutes and is great for busy weeknights or a special dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

• The foil packet holds in moisture, so the salmon doesn't dry out.
• Lemon and garlic butter soak into the fish as it cooks.
• A short time at high heat cooks salmon fast and evenly.
• Opening the foil at the end lets the top brown a little.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15–18 minutes
• Total time: about 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Safe temperature: 145°F (63°C), per USDA

Ingredients

• 1½–2 lb (680–900 g) salmon fillet (one large piece or 4 fillets), skin on or off
• 4 tablespoons (55 g) butter, melted (or olive oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs or paprika
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill or parsley to serve

How to Choose Salmon

• Fresh salmon should smell clean, like the sea, not "fishy." The flesh should be bright and firm.
• Frozen salmon is a great choice too. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
• Skin on or off? Both work. Skin holds the fillet together and slides off easily after cooking.
• Thickness matters. Thicker fillets need more time.

Step 1: Heat the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of foil, big enough to fold over the salmon and seal. Lightly grease the foil.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, pepper and herbs.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Place it in the center of the foil, skin side down. Lay a few lemon slices under and around it.

Pour the garlic butter over the salmon and spread it with a spoon. Put a few more lemon slices on top.

Step 4: Seal the Foil

Fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon. Pinch the edges together to make a closed packet. Leave a little space above the fish so steam can move.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes for average fillets (about 1 inch thick).

Then carefully open the foil (hot steam will come out). Turn on the broiler and broil for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the top. Watch closely so it doesn't burn.

Step 6: Check if It's Done

The salmon is ready when:

• It flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part.
• The center turns from see-through to opaque pink.
• A thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) for USDA-recommended doneness.

Many people like salmon a bit softer, at 125–130°F. Know that 145°F is the official safe temperature.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the buttery juices from the foil over the salmon. Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Cooking Time by Thickness

• ½ inch thick: 8–10 minutes
• 1 inch thick: 12–15 minutes
• 1½ inches thick: 18–20 minutes
• Whole side of salmon (2–3 lb): 18–25 minutes

Always check with a fork or thermometer.

Grill Option

Make the foil packet the same way. Grill over medium-high heat (about 400°F) with the lid closed for 12–15 minutes. No need to flip.

Add Vegetables (One-Pan Meal)

Add quick-cooking vegetables to the packet around the salmon:

• Asparagus spears
• Thin zucchini slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Green beans (cut thin)

Toss them with a little oil and salt first. For potatoes, use thin slices and pre-cook them for 5 minutes in the microwave.

Tips for Perfect Salmon

• Pat it dry so the butter sticks.
• Don't overcook. Salmon goes from juicy to dry quickly.
• Seal the foil well to keep the steam in.
• Rest it for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Common Problems

Dry salmon. It cooked too long. Start checking early.

White stuff on top. That's albumin, a protein that comes out when salmon cooks. It's safe. Gentle cooking keeps it small.

Salmon tastes fishy. It may not be fresh. Buy from a trusted store and cook within 1–2 days.

Foil leaked. Double-fold the edges or use heavy-duty foil.

Flavor Variations

• Honey mustard: 2 tbsp Dijon, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp butter.
• Teriyaki: 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, ginger and green onions.
• Mediterranean: Olive oil, oregano, cherry tomatoes, olives and feta.
• Cajun: 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning with butter and lemon.
• Pesto: Spread 3 tbsp basil pesto over the top.

What to Serve With It

Rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, green salad, steamed broccoli, or creamy garlic parmesan mashed potatoes.

Storage

Fridge: Within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheat: Gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, covered, so it doesn't dry out. Or eat it cold on salads.

Freezer: Cooked salmon freezes up to 2 months, but the texture gets softer.

Nutrition Estimate

Per serving (¼ of the recipe, about 6 oz salmon):

• Calories: about 380
• Protein: about 34 g
• Carbohydrates: about 4 g
• Fat: about 25 g (including omega-3 fats)

FAQs

Should I bake salmon at 375 or 400?

400°F is a great temperature for foil packets. It cooks the salmon quickly and keeps it moist.

Do I need to flip salmon in foil?

No. It cooks evenly inside the sealed packet.

Can I bake frozen salmon in foil?

Yes. Add about 8–10 extra minutes and check it's 145°F in the center.

How do I know salmon is cooked?

It flakes easily with a fork and the center is opaque. Or check for 145°F.

Can I make the packets ahead?

Yes. Assemble up to 8 hours ahead and keep in the fridge. Add a few minutes to the bake time.

Is salmon good for you?

Yes. It's rich in protein and omega-3 fats.

More Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Hot Honey (coming soon)
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes (coming soon)
• Easy 15 Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (coming soon)
• Browse all recipes

A Final Note

Season it, seal it and bake it for about 15 minutes. Baked salmon in foil is one of the easiest ways to get a juicy, healthy dinner with almost no dishes to wash.