These lemon garlic butter salmon fillets are baked to flaky perfection in less than 15 minutes. Tender on the inside with the ultimate crispy edges, each fillet is coated in rich melted garlic butter, freshly grated lemon zest, and finished with vibrant fresh dill.
Prep the Salmon. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper, then place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Garlic Butter and Coat the Salmon: Melt the butter in a small bowl, then stir in the garlic powder and fresh lemon zest to create a fragrant glaze. Generously brush or spoon this savory melted butter evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, making sure every inch is completely coated.
Bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the center reaches 125°F. Next, turn on the broiler for the final 2 minutes to achieve a perfect golden crust. The final internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous pinch of chopped fresh dill.
Notes
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fillets.Here is what is recommended:
Standard fillets: 8 to 10 minutes
Thicker fillets: 12 to 15 minutes
Chef's Tip: Always use an internal meat thermometer to check for doneness so your salmon stays perfectly tender and juicy! For the most accurate reading, insert the thermometer probe straight into the thickest part of the fillet.