This baked Lemon Pepper Salmon is a delicious hands-off dinner all done in 22 minutes with just 3 ingredients. You'll be surprised how packed with flavor it is!
“Who Knew Such a Simple Recipe Could Be So Amazing!”
This Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe is probably my most surprising recipe.
Why? Because everyone who tries it is so surprised at just how flavor packed it is despite having just 3 very simple ingredients. Just check out the reviews below if you don't believe me! And that quote in the header? That's from Lara, just one of the readers who made it and loved it.
Take it from a girl who never has fish without sauce. This baked Lemon Pepper Salmon, though, I devour as-is, no sauce needed. It's just that good!!
The combination of lemon juice, lemon pepper and salmon is so good, I even created 3 more versions of it for you to try:
- Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Salmon
- Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Yes, it's just as good as fresh!
Maximum Flavor From Just 3 Ingredients
A Note on Salmon
The best salmon to use for this recipe is a whole filet with the skin still on. However, you can also adapt it to suit different types of salmon.
Individual salmon filets with skin: Follow the recipe as written but shorten the cook time to 12-15 minutes.
Salmon without skin: Brush the pan with a good amount of oil before adding in the salmon, and otherwise follow the recipe as written.
What You Can Use Instead of Lemon Pepper
If you can't find lemon pepper, you can use another citrusy pepper mix. You can also use other pre-made fish seasonings, especially one with a lot of citrus.
Yes, You Should Use Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
I really recommend you use fresh lemon juice for this recipe, since lemon is basically the whole seasoning. You can definitely use bottled juice as well - but the flavor won't be as good.
Just Squeeze, Season and Bake!
It really is that easy.
1. Lots of Lemon Juice
Place the salmon skin-side down in an oven-safe dish, then squeeze over the lemon. Lots and lots of it! Just try to get as much as possible on the salmon, and not the pan.
2. Cover in Lemon Pepper
Sprinkle lemon pepper on top - it should basically cover the fish.
3. Bake Until Done
Bake 18-20 minutes (12-15 minutes for individual filets), until salmon is done.
To find out if it is, either check the internal temperature (it should be at least 145°F (63°C)), or poke the middle with a fork. The flesh should flake easily and be opaque and light pink.
What to Do with Leftovers
Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well.
Leftovers: I prefer to eat leftovers cold, but you can also reheat them.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second increments.
Sauces and Sides to Serve With It
- Creamy Rice with Butter & Chicken Broth30 Minutes
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli25 Minutes
- Whipped Feta with Garlic & Basil (Tyrosalata)5 Minutes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon20 Minutes
More Quick & Easy Salmon Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties30 Minutes
- Salmon Stew30 Minutes
- Pesto Salmon15 Minutes
- Thai Salmon Curry30 Minutes
Recipe
Lemon Pepper Salmon
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 1¼ lb whole salmon filet with skin see note below for other types of salmon
- ½ lemon juice only
- 2 tablespoon lemon pepper or citrus pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon skin-side down in an oven-safe pan. Squeeze over the juice from the lemon and then spread out the lemon pepper evenly on top.1¼ lb whole salmon filet with skin, ½ lemon, 2 tablespoon lemon pepper
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 18-20 minutes, until done. Serve immediately with your choice of sides!
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
Video
Notes
How to Make It With Different Types of Salmon
Individual salmon filets with skin: Follow the recipe as written but shorten the cook time to 12-15 minutes. Salmon without skin: Brush the pan with a good amount of oil before adding in the salmon, and otherwise follow the recipe as written.What to Do with Leftovers:
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well. Leftovers: I prefer to eat leftovers cold, or reheat them. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30-second increments.Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Lara
Absolutely delicious! Who knew such a simple recipe could be so amazing! Will definitely be making this again.
Anya
The perfect quick, healthy meal! Can't believe how simple and unbelievably yummy this was. Definitely adding this to my weekly meal repertoire
Traci
I'm loving this simple, delicious recipe! It's a winner every time...thanks for sharing!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Traci! Happy you liked it! 😀
Pam Greer
Such an easy recipe! The salmon comes out perfect every time and I love the lemon seasoning!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Pam! So glad you liked it! 😀
Irina Karulin
Made it last night. The meal is healthy and delicious! I love to enhance my body with Omega 3:) Thanks for sharing.
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Irina! So happy you enjoyed it! 😀
Suzy
I absolutely love to make salmon but this is so perfect oven baked and filled with lots of seasoning! So delicious!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Suzy! Same here - and no easier way than like this!
Jordin
I love eating salmon for dinner, and can't never find the perfect seasonings for it. This recipe sounds amazing and Im going to have to try this out!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Thank you Jordin!