Salmon Baked In Foil (Easy Oven Baked Salmon Fillets)

Updated April 2026

Salmon baked in foil is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook salmon for a quick family dinner.

Cooking salmon in foil keeps the fish beautifully moist and tender while locking in flavour from lemon, herbs and olive oil. The foil parcel gently steams the salmon as it cooks, which prevents the fish from drying out and helps it stay perfectly flaky.

This easy baked salmon recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and uses only a handful of simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Serve this simple salmon baked in foil with couscous, herby potatoes or a big garden salad for a healthy and delicious meal.

How Long To Bake Salmon In Foil

Salmon baked in foil usually takes around 20–25 minutes at 200°C (400°F / Gas Mark 6) depending on the thickness of the fillets.

The salmon is ready when:

• it flakes easily with a fork
• the centre is opaque
• it looks slightly glossy and juicy

Cooking the salmon inside a foil parcel helps it cook gently and evenly.

Why Bake Salmon In Foil?

Baking salmon in foil is one of the best cooking methods because the foil creates a sealed parcel that traps steam and flavour.

This method:

• keeps the salmon moist and tender
• prevents the fish from drying out
• locks in flavour from herbs and lemon
• requires very little preparation
• creates almost no washing up

The foil packet gently steams the salmon while it roasts in the oven, producing perfectly juicy salmon every time.

Ingredients For Salmon Baked In Foil

This healthy baked salmon recipe uses just a few simple ingredients.

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon – sliced
• small handful fresh coriander – roughly chopped
• salt and black pepper

These ingredients give the salmon a fresh citrus flavour while keeping the recipe quick and easy.

Ingredient Tips and Easy Swaps

This recipe is extremely flexible and easy to adapt depending on what ingredients you have at home.

Salmon

Fresh salmon fillets work best for this recipe, but frozen salmon can also be used.

You can use:

• skinless salmon fillets
• skin-on salmon fillets
• salmon portions

Skin-on salmon tends to have slightly more flavour, while skinless salmon is often easier for children to eat.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps keep the salmon moist during cooking.

You can swap it for:

• butter
• sesame oil
• avocado oil
• melted garlic butter

Sesame oil works well if you’re making an Asian-style salmon.

Lemon

Lemon adds freshness and balances the richness of the salmon.

Other options include:

• lime slices
• orange slices
• white wine
• honey and lemon

Herbs

Fresh herbs add flavour to the salmon.

Great herbs for salmon include:

• coriander
• parsley
• dill
• thyme
• basil

Dill is particularly popular with salmon and pairs beautifully with lemon.

Equipment Needed

To make this baked salmon recipe you will need:

• chopping board
• sharp knife
• baking tray
• aluminium foil
• tablespoon

This simple equipment list is another reason why this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.

How To Cook Salmon Baked In Foil

You’ll love how easy this salmon recipe is to prepare and cook.

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.

Step 2 – Prepare the foil parcel

Lay a large sheet of foil on a baking tray.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil and spread the oil across the foil to prevent sticking.

Step 3 – Add the salmon and flavourings

Place the salmon fillets onto the foil.

Top with sliced lemon and chopped coriander.

Season well with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4 – Seal the foil parcel

Place another sheet of foil over the salmon.

Fold and seal the edges tightly to create a foil parcel.

This traps steam inside the parcel which keeps the salmon moist while it cooks.

Step 5 – Bake the salmon

Place the tray into the oven and cook for 20–25 minutes.

Once cooked, carefully open the foil parcel as hot steam will escape.

Serve immediately.

Expert Tips For Perfect Salmon

Cooking salmon in foil is simple, but these tips will help you get the best results every time.

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Salmon cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked.

Check the fish after about 20 minutes and cook only until it flakes easily.

Seal the Foil Well

Make sure the foil parcel is sealed tightly.

This keeps steam trapped inside the parcel which helps cook the salmon evenly.

Use Even-Sized Fillets

Try to use salmon fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook at the same speed.

Add Vegetables To The Parcel

You can turn this recipe into a complete meal by adding vegetables to the foil packet.

Great options include:

• thinly sliced potatoes
• asparagus
• cherry tomatoes
• courgette slices
• broccoli florets

Baked Salmon In Foil Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customise.

Garlic Butter Salmon

Add sliced garlic and a few small pieces of butter on top of the salmon before sealing the foil.

Italian Style Salmon

Spread pesto over the salmon and add basil leaves.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Thai Style Salmon

Rub the salmon with Thai green curry paste and add sliced garlic and vegetables.

Indian Spiced Salmon

Spread curry paste over the salmon and add thinly sliced potatoes and cherry tomatoes.

What To Serve With Salmon Baked In Foil

This salmon recipe works with many different side dishes.

Great options include:

• couscous
• coconut rice
• herby diced potatoes
• roasted vegetables
• garden salad

It’s also delicious served with Air Fryer New Potatoes With Italian Herbs or a salmon tray bake with vegetables.

Storage and Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads.

Freezer

Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Easy Salmon Recipes

If you love this baked salmon recipe then you might also enjoy:

• Salmon Tray Bake With New Potatoes
• Salmon and Rice
• Herby Salmon Parcels
• Fried Salmon Bites
• Sweet Chilli Salmon Salad

Salmon is one of the best fish for quick healthy dinners and works beautifully with many different flavours.