Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Tender, flaky salmon topped with a crispy Parmesan and herb crust, baked until golden and delicious. This easy recipe is ready in about 25 minutes and makes a perfect high-protein dinner. Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs create a flavorful crust while keeping the salmon moist inside.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
 Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz / 140–170 g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Parmesan Crust
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
The combination of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs is commonly used for crisp, flavorful salmon crusts.
 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, mix:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Lemon zest
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Stir in melted butter and olive oil until the mixture resembles moist crumbs.
3. Season the Salmon
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
4. Add the Crust
Press the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Gently press so it adheres well.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until:
- Salmon flakes easily with a fork
- Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
- The topping is golden and crisp
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
6. Serve
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
Serve with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Rice
- Salad
- Mashed potatoes
 Tips
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcook salmon; it should remain moist and flaky.
- Add fresh dill or basil for extra herb flavor.
- For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High
- Calcium: ~20% Daily Value
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients used.
 Allergen Information
This recipe contains:
Fish: Salmon
Milk/Dairy: Parmesan cheese, butter
Gluten: Panko breadcrumbs
Nut-Free: Yes (as written)
To Make It Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
To Make It Dairy-Free:
Replace Parmesan with dairy-free Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter.
 Q&A
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before adding the crust.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the salmon with the crust up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What sides go best with Parmesan salmon?
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, rice, cauliflower mash, salad, or garlic green beans pair wonderfully.
Can I use another fish?
Yes. Cod, trout, halibut, or tilapia also work well with this crust
