Crispy Salmon Recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh through a simple stovetop method. This easy dish is seasoned with just salt and pepper, cooked in butter and a high smoke-point oil, achieving a delicious golden crust while remaining moist inside. Finished with fresh lemon and herbs, it’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish ideal for weeknights or dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Salmon Recipe

This crispy salmon dish is perfect for many reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Second, the crunchy salmon recipe offers a delightful texture contrast with a tender interior. Third, it’s versatile; you can serve it with various sides or sauces. Fourth, it’s a healthy option, being rich in protein and healthy fats. Fifth, this recipe is beginner-friendly, making it an easy crispy salmon recipe for beginners. Last but not least, it’s an impressive dish for dinner parties, sure to wow your guests!

Ingredients for Crispy Salmon Recipe

Gather these items:

4 (6- to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few extra pinches
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ tablespoon canola, grapeseed, avocado, or another high smoke-point cooking oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or dill (optional)

How to Make Crispy Salmon Recipe Step-by-Step

Step 1: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Pat the fillets very dry on both sides with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear.
Step 2: Place butter and oil in a 12-inch cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Heat until the butter foams and the foam subsides, about 3 minutes. The pan must be very hot for proper crisping.
Step 3: Just before cooking, season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Step 4: Carefully place the fillets into the hot skillet, skin side up, lowering them gently away from you to avoid splatters. Sprinkle the skin side with a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 5: Let the salmon cook undisturbed until cooked about three-quarters of the way up the fillet, about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp properly.
Step 6: Using a fish spatula or a similar wide, flexible spatula, gently flip the fillets over. They should release easily; if sticking, cook an additional 30 seconds and try again.
Step 7: Reduce heat to medium and cook the salmon for another 2 to 4 minutes until desired doneness (130°F for medium). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Crispy Salmon Recipe: 7 Steps to Perfectly Crispy Skin - Crispy Salmon Recipe - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Salmon Recipe

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is quick, healthy, and flavorful, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the salmon for the best crispy skin salmon preparation.
Pat the salmon dry thoroughly to avoid moisture that prevents crispiness.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Salmon Recipe

There are many delicious ways to serve crispy salmon. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal or serving it with a side of rice for a filling dinner. For a gourmet touch, try drizzling garlic butter sauce over your salmon. This delicious crispy salmon meal idea will leave everyone satisfied!

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Salmon Recipe

To store any leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. This quick crispy salmon recipe can be meal-prepped ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Salmon Recipe

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Salmon Recipe?

The key to perfect salmon with a crispy crust is ensuring your pan is hot enough and that the skin is thoroughly dried before cooking. This prevents sticking and promotes a crunchy texture.

Can I make Crispy Salmon Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your baked crispy salmon recipe ahead of time and reheat it in a skillet. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge to maintain its flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Salmon Recipe?

Common mistakes include not drying the salmon enough or not cooking it in a hot enough pan. Follow the pan-seared crispy salmon instructions closely to achieve the best results.

Crispy Salmon Recipe: 7 Steps to Perfectly Crispy Skin - Crispy Salmon Recipe - additional detail

Variations of Crispy Salmon Recipe You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider trying a flavorful crispy salmon marinade with herbs and spices. You could also experiment with a lemon and herb crust for a refreshing twist. For a different cooking method, explore a baked crispy salmon recipe that offers a healthier alternative to frying.

For more delicious recipes, check out this curried salmon rice bowl or this sheet pan baked salmon recipe for easy meal ideas!

Additionally, if you’re interested in healthy cooking tips, you can visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for more information.

Crispy Salmon Recipe: 7 Steps to Perfectly Crispy Skin

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Margaret
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Pan Seared Salmon recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh through a simple stovetop method.

Ingredients

Scale

4 (6- to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus a few extra pinches
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ tablespoon canola, grapeseed, avocado, or another high smoke-point cooking oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or dill (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Pat the fillets very dry on both sides with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear.
Place butter and oil in a 12-inch cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Heat until the butter foams and the foam subsides, about 3 minutes. The pan must be very hot for proper crisping.
Just before cooking, season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Carefully place the fillets into the hot skillet, skin side up, lowering them gently away from you to avoid splatters. Sprinkle the skin side with a pinch of kosher salt.
Let the salmon cook undisturbed until cooked about three-quarters of the way up the fillet, about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp properly.
Using a fish spatula or a similar wide, flexible spatula, gently flip the fillets over. They should release easily; if sticking, cook an additional 30 seconds and try again.
Reduce heat to medium and cook the salmon for another 2 to 4 minutes until desired doneness (130°F for medium). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature.