Baked Salmon in Foil

This baked salmon in foil is a quick oven salmon recipe made with garlic butter, lemon, and fresh rosemary. It stays moist, flakes easily, and cooks in just 10 minutes.

I like recipes that give me a good dinner without making the kitchen feel busy, and this one does exactly that. The salmon sits on fresh rosemary, then gets coated with melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper before being wrapped in foil. As it bakes, the foil keeps the steam inside, so the salmon stays tender instead of drying out. 

This is the kind of meal I make when I want something simple but still full of flavor. The garlic butter gives the salmon richness, the lemon keeps it fresh, and the rosemary adds a gentle herby flavor without overpowering the fish. If you enjoy easy salmon dinners, you might also like my Marry Me Salmon, Salmon Florentine, or Harissa Salmon when you want a different flavor. 

Key Ingredients in Baked Salmon in Foil

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.

• Salmon: I use a boneless salmon fillet because it cooks evenly and flakes easily once baked. 
• Butter, Garlic, Salt & Pepper: Melted butter carries the garlic and seasoning over the salmon, giving it a rich and simple flavor. 
• Lemon Juice & Lemon Slices: I use lemon juice in the butter mixture and lemon slices on top to keep the salmon fresh and balanced. 
• Fresh Rosemary: I place rosemary under the salmon so the flavor gently infuses the fish as it bakes.

Why Baking Salmon in Foil Works So Well

Baking salmon in foil is one of the easiest ways to keep it moist. The foil creates a sealed packet around the fish, which traps steam as the salmon cooks. This gentle heat helps the salmon stay tender while the garlic butter, lemon, and rosemary stay close to the fish. 

This method is especially helpful if you worry about overcooking salmon. Instead of exposing the fish directly to dry oven heat, the foil protects it and helps the salmon cook evenly. It is simple, reliable, and gives you a juicy oven-baked salmon in foil with very little effort. 

How Long to Bake Salmon in Foil

For this recipe, I bake 1 pound (500 g) of boneless salmon at 355°F / 180°C for 10 minutes. This works well for a salmon fillet that is not too thick. 

If your salmon is thicker than 1 inch, add 2-3 extra minutes and check the thickest part before serving. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout, while still staying moist inside. 

How to Bake Salmon in Foil

You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:

How to Tell When Salmon Is Fully Cooked

The easiest way to check salmon is to press the thickest part gently with a fork. If it flakes easily, it is ready. 

I like to check it at the 10-minute mark because salmon can go from moist to dry quickly. If it still looks too soft in the center, give it another 1-2 minutes and check again. The foil helps protect it, but I still avoid baking it longer than needed. 

Storage

I store leftover salmon with a little of the cooking liquid from the foil packet. This helps keep it moist when reheating and adds extra flavor the next day. 

What to Serve with Baked Salmon in Foil

I like serving baked salmon in foil with crispy potato wedges or simple roasted potatoes when I want a more filling dinner. For something lighter, marinated tomatoes, tomato burrata salad, or a fresh salad balance the garlic butter nicely. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the buttery lemon juices left inside the foil. 

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