Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil Recipe: Flavor-Packed, Juicy & Easy to Clean Up
Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil is a weeknight dream meal: moist, tender salmon fillets baked with fresh herbs, garlic, and a golden Parmesan crust—all wrapped up neatly in foil for minimal cleanup. This easy, foolproof method locks in flavor and moisture, resulting in perfectly flaky salmon with bold, savory notes in every bite.

What Makes This Dish Special?
This foil-baked salmon combines simple, clean ingredients with rich flavor. The garlic herb butter soaks into the salmon while it bakes, and the Parmesan melts into a golden crust on top. Cooking it in foil not only ensures juicy, evenly cooked fish but also makes for the easiest cleanup ever. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, but simple enough for a Tuesday night.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease or spray it. Place the salmon fillet in the center.
2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
3. Coat the Salmon
Pour the garlic herb butter evenly over the salmon. Use a brush or spoon to spread it across the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
4. Wrap in Foil and Bake
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to enclose it, sealing the packet but leaving a little room inside for air to circulate. Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
5. Broil for a Golden Top (Optional)
For a crispier Parmesan crust, open the foil in the last 2–3 minutes and broil on high for 2 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the foil packet from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or lime juice instead of lemon for a flavor change.
- Fresh Herb Upgrade: Use fresh chopped herbs in place of dried for brighter flavor.
- Veggie Bake: Add asparagus or zucchini next to the salmon in the foil packet for a built-in side.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or brush
- Oven-safe spatula (for serving)
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave on low to avoid drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
My Cooking Experience
I love making foil-baked salmon because it’s fast, mess-free, and always comes out moist. The garlic, herbs, and Parmesan take the flavor up a notch without needing any complicated ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that makes people think you spent a lot of time in the kitchen—but really, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. I’ve served this at dinner parties and gotten rave reviews every time.
Conclusion
Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil is the kind of reliable, delicious recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With minimal prep, rich flavor, and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Add it to your dinner rotation—you won’t regret it.

baked parmesan garlic herb salmon in foil
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease or spray it. Place the salmon fillet in the center.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the garlic herb butter evenly over the salmon. Use a brush or spoon to spread it across the surface. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to enclose it, sealing the packet but leaving a little room inside for air to circulate. Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
- For a crispier Parmesan crust, open the foil in the last 2–3 minutes and broil on high for 2 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Carefully remove the foil packet from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave on low to avoid drying out.