The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe

Name: The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Atlantic salmon fillet (whole or 4 individual pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more); 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for dusting); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup Italian style croutons; fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

By Jas on Nov 14, 2017 · Updated: Oct 21, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

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Cook Time - 20 mins

Looking for a new, super delicious fish recipe that is easy to make? This best ever crusted salmon recipe will knock your socks off! The crispy, smoky, and slightly spicy crust matches the soft, flaky salmon flesh perfectly. Did I mention it's done in only 30 minutes?

Do you ever send your husband shopping with a detailed description of what you need and he brings home...not that? I'm lucky enough that my husband loves shopping, so I know he doesn't do it on purpose just to get out of the chore.

However, a good percentage of my posts are created with something he bought "wrong" or in excess. Like that time I had four pounds of yogurt to use and made this yogurt cake and thousand other things, lol.

I guess his favorite number is four because when I sent him to buy me a salmon filet, for the two of us, I got a four-pounder, ha! The fillet was so big, I baked it on the largest cookie sheet I own, placed diagonally, and the tail side was still hanging over a bit. A huge hunk of fish for $40. But it was worth every penny!

We ~~ate~~ overate the salmon in two days and would eat it for two more if we had enough of it. Man, was it good! The best! This time I wasn't mad at him for buying more than needed.

Ingredients for The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe

Atlantic salmon - we used a large whole fillet, but you can use individual pieces
Olive oil - sub with oil of your choice or butter
Mayonnaise - your favorite brand
Grated parmesan cheese - one of the key ingredients for this dish!
Italian seasoning - I found this herb grinder to taste the best.
Cayenne pepper - add more if you like extra heat
Old Bay seasoning - I urge you to pick up this seasoning. I always use it on fish and chicken, but it's also great on anything else, including salads!
Lemon pepper seasoning - you can also use pepper and a lemon zest
Smoked paprika - don't substitute with Hungarian paprika! This smoked version adds a deep flavor and color. You can always use leftovers in other dishes like this roasted cauliflower and Spanish tapas dishes, or use as a rub for roasted meats and poultry.
Salt - to taste
Italian style croutons - you can use garlic-flavored croutons instead and gluten-free if you have gluten restrictions.

How to Make The Best Crusted Salmon Recipe:

Rinse salmon with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place skin side down in a baking dish greased with olive oil.
In a small bowl combine all ingredients except the croutons. Spread evenly over the salmon.
Sprinkle crushed croutons evenly over the mayo mixture. Dust with more smoked paprika.
Bake for 15-20 minutes in 350 F preheated oven or until bread crumbs get toasty and salmon easily flakes with a fork.

Why is salmon good for you?

Mild in flavor, salmon has a juicy meat texture. Amino acids in fish lower blood sugar levels. Salmon is beneficial for diabetics and those who want to prevent this disease.

The combined action of the antioxidants selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 acids stimulates the action of insulin. As a result, sugar is absorbed faster and its level in the blood decreases. Enough reasons to include this healthy and delicious meal in your menu rotation!

Recipe Tips

Don't substitute smoked paprika with the regular one, it will lack flavor.
Serve with a side of rice and broccoli or another favorite vegetable.
This is a perfect dish to entertain your guests, to serve on holidays, or your weeknight dinner.

More delicious salmon recipes you will love:

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About Jas

I'm an excellent eater and a decent cook but also author, food photographer, recipe developer, a former anorexic, and current cheesecake addict. Cooking helps me link my Bosnian past to my American present.