Name: Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 (4 oz each) salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; kosher salt & black pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ((or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)); 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Parmesan Crusted Salmon is an easy salmon recipe with fresh salmon fillets covered in a creamy garlic parmesan mixture. The crispy panko breadcrumb topping gets crispy in the oven while it bakes. The creamy mayonnaise mixture keeps everything so moist!

For more of the best salmon recipes – be sure and try Air Fryer Salmon Bites, Pan Seared Salmon (Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce), Glazed Hot Honey Salmon and Salmon Rice Bowls.

A salmon filet on a white plate with a fork.

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon (Oven Baked Parmesan Salmon Recipe)

Parmesan crusted salmon is the best salmon dinner recipe for those busy weeknights. A simple mixture of parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, panko bread crumbs, and seasonings gets spread over top a fresh salmon filet. Pop that baking pan in the oven and dinner will be ready in just about 15 minutes.

This salmon has a beautiful contrast of flaky salmon paired with a crispy parmesan crust that gets golden brown while baking. And just a little mayonnaise makes all the difference! Not only does it provide just a little bit of creaminess to the parmesan crust, it also helps keep the salmon moist while cooking – which means this is a fool-proof salmon recipe that anyone can make and it will turn out amazing.

A piece of cooked salmon filet with a fork taking a bite from it.

Simple Ingredients Needed

Salmon Fillets
Olive Oil : I use extra-virgin ‘light tasting’ olive oil.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper : There really is no exact measurement for this but I use about 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Plain Panko Breadcrumbs
Parmesan Cheese : For the best results and taste, use freshly shredded parmesan cheese from a wedge of parmesan cheese.
Mayonnaise : Just a little bit and really is the ‘secret ingredient’ that keeps the salmon so moist and slightly creamy.
Fresh Parsley
Garlic Powder

How To Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon (Printable Recipe Card)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place salmon filets onto the sheet pan and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and season them with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, and garlic powder until well combined. Evenly spread the mixture on top of each salmon fillet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork, the parmesan topping is golden brown, and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Some may prefer salmon at 125 degrees F for a more tender salmon, but I prefer cooking to 145 degrees F.

How To Store Leftover Salmon & Reheating Instructions For Salmon

Any leftover creamy parmesan salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or for 3 months in the freezer. If freezing, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat leftovers, it’s best to place the salmon in the oven at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or in the air fryer to keep the topping crisp and crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Potatoes : Roasted Rosemary Potatoes pair really nicely with this parmesan salmon, or try these Parmesan Roasted Potatoes or if you love sweet potatoes then make my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
Rice Pilaf : I love making my Rice Pilaf recipe whenever I make salmon. It’s always my go-to recipe for a side dish.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Pasta Salad : Try this Easy Italian Pasta Salad or Pesto Pasta Salad.

Recipe Tips

Instead of using fillets, you can use one larger piece of salmon instead or a whole filet. I like to do this if I am buying salmon from Costco because they have beautiful whole pieces of salmon. When it’s cooked, I just cut it into pieces (or fillets) for serving. If using a larger whole piece of salmon you may have to increase the cook time accordingly.
Butter or avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil if needed.
For the best results and superior taste, use freshly grated parmesan cheese from a wedge of parmesan cheese. You can find this in the deli/bakery area of the grocery store near the other specialty cheeses.
Instead of using fresh parsley you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
You can season the salmon as liberally with salt & pepper as wanted. There really is not an exact measurement on this, but I would say I use at least 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and less of the black pepper (closer to 1/4 teaspoon black pepper). My family prefers that kosher salt taste over black pepper.

Salmon fillets on a sheet pan with a serving spatula

Recipe FAQ’s

Do I Need To Leave The Skin on The Salmon or Remove It?

That is a personal preference as to whether you want to remove it or not, but leaving the skin on will help keep the salmon moist.

Is It Necessary To Pat The Salmon Dry?

Yes, you will need to pat the salmon fillets dry to ensure that the creamy parmesan topping properly adheres.

What Is The Best Parmesan Cheese To Use?

The best parmesan cheese to use would be freshly grated as will provide a better flavor than the pre-grated . If you want more of an intense flavor you can use a mix of parmesan cheese and asiago cheese. I purchase a wedge of parmesan cheese from the deli area (near the other specialty cheeses) and use a cheese grater to grate it finely.

My Crust Isn’t Getting Crispy. What Can I Do?

If your crust is not getting crispy, you can turn the oven up to 400 degrees F or place it under the broiler for a short time. Just make sure that if you use the broiler, you keep a constant watch on it, as it can burn very quickly.

I Forgot To Leave My Salmon Out Of The Freezer. Is There A Quick Way To Thaw It?

If you need to thaw the salmon out at a faster rate than room temperature, you can place it in a bowl of lukewarm water. You do not want to use hot water, or the salmon will bleed; which is the white that you sometimes see if it is placed in water that is too warm while thawing out. When salmon bleeds it tends to be drier once cooked. If this happens by accident, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the salmon or lay pads of batter on it, after seasoning the salmon, so that as it cooks it will help retain some moisture.

More Parmesan Dinner Favorites

Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Author Jessica – Together as Family

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

▢ 4 (4 oz each) salmon fillets
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ kosher salt & black pepper to taste
▢ 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
▢ 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
▢ 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
▢ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place salmon filets onto the sheet pan and pat them dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and season them with salt and pepper.
4 (4 oz each) salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt & black pepper
In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, and garlic powder until well combined. Evenly spread the mixture on top of each salmon fillet.
1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork, the parmesan topping is golden brown, and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145℉.
^{*Some may prefer salmon at 125℉ for a more tender salmon, which is acceptable if that's your preference.}

Notes

Salt & Pepper : I use about 1 teaspoon kosher salt + 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. You can season the salmon to your liking. If using finer salt, like sea salt or table salt, you will probably only need about 1/2 teaspoon or slightly more.

Using a Whole Piece of Salmon? : Instead of using fillets, you can use one larger piece of salmon instead or a whole filet. I like to do this if I am buying salmon from Costco because they have beautiful whole pieces of salmon. When it’s cooked, I just cut it into pieces (or fillets) for serving. If using a larger whole piece of salmon you may have to increase the cook time accordingly. If the salmon piece if more than 16 ounces/1 pound of salmon, then you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Parmesan Cheese : For the best taste I recommend buying a wedge of parmesan cheese and shredding it yourself. This will give you the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

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