Easy Lemon Pepper Salmon

Name: Easy Lemon Pepper Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 600 g (21oz) salmon fillets ((4x 150g/5oz fillets)); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1-2 tsp salt

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This baked lemon pepper salmon is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party with a few simple side dishes.

Ingredients Needed

Salmon fillets. We love this with salmon but any oily type of fish will work well. Trout, mackerel, black cod or tuna will all be delicious.
Olive oil. Melted butter can also be used.
Lemon pepper seasoning. If you can’t find lemon pepper seasoning, substitute with freshly ground black pepper and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
Garlic powder.
Salt.
Fresh lemon juice.

Lemon Pepper Salmon with sautéed broccoli.

How to make lemon pepper salmon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil then add the salmon filets, skin-side down. Season lightly with salt. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Pour over the salmon. Bake in a preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your preference. Remove from the oven and serve.

Air fryer instructions

Place the salmon in the air fryer basket then pour over the seasoning blend. Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 5-7 minutes or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through.

Can I make this ahead?

This salmon is great to meal prep ahead and any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer until hot throughout.

What to serve with salmon

For a healthy, gluten-free meal, serve salmon with garlic butter rice and sautéed broccolini or a simple side salad. Other vegetables like brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli and asparagus are also delicious with fish as is cauliflower rice. This lemon pepper salmon recipe is also delicious with crispy smashed potatoes or simple Garlic Parmesan pasta for a simple dinner.

FAQ

Why do people put lemon on top of salmon?

Lemon is a match made in heaven for any fish, but especially salmon. The acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon. It also acts as a flavor enhancer, making all the other flavor in a dish taste brighter.

How do you know when salmon is done?

The easiest way to know when salmon is cooked is when the flesh flakes easily.

What is the best way to cook salmon without drying it out?

As long as you don’t overcook the salmon, it won’t be dry. Whether pan-frying, baking, air frying, steaming or roasting, salmon should be cooked until it reads 145°F (63°C) on an meat thermometer placed into the thickest part of the fish or when it flakes easily.

Salmon Recipes