Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus and Lemon
A quick and healthy dinner recipe featuring crispy skin salmon roasted on a sheet pan with fresh asparagus and lemon slices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple, flavorful, and impressive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced, plus extra for squeezing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Toss in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic. Spread the asparagus evenly on one side of a rimmed sheet pan.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub them lightly with the remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), thyme, and the rest of the garlic.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the other side of the sheet pan. Tuck lemon slices under the salmon or scatter around the asparagus.
- Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily and the asparagus is tender with slight caramelized edges.
- Optional: For extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything, sprinkle with fresh herbs or cracked pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Let salmon come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even doneness. Avoid flipping salmon during roasting to preserve crispiness. Watch thinner asparagus ends to prevent burning. Broil briefly for extra crisp skin but watch carefully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: salmon, sheet pan dinner, asparagus, lemon, healthy dinner, quick recipe, crispy salmon, roasted asparagus