Crispy Skin Salmon: Easy, Flavorful, and Restaurant-Worthy
Crispy Skin Salmon is one of the easiest and most satisfying seafood dishes you can make at home. With just a few simple steps, you’ll get golden, crackling skin on top and tender, juicy salmon underneath. It’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner—or any time you’re craving something fresh and restaurant-quality.
If you shop at Costco, you’re probably familiar with the giant Kirkland Signature fresh Atlantic salmon fillet—it’s my go-to for this recipe!
Why I Love Costco’s Salmon for Crispy Skin Salmon
Costco’s Kirkland Signature fresh Atlantic salmon is farm-raised, thick-cut, and sold with the skin on, making it perfect for crispy skin recipes. It’s usually sourced from Norway or Chile and raised without antibiotics. The rich, fatty texture helps keep the fish moist and flavorful when cooked. Sold in generous 3–4 pound fillets, it’s a great value for family meals, dinner parties, or weekly meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your crispy skin salmon with these delicious pairings:
- Sautéed greens: Try sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for a nutritious side.
- Simple rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice—or upgrade to garlic butter rice.
- Green salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of crispy skin salmon.
- Drink pairings: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or sparkling water with lemon or cucumber.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Skin Salmon is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something light but satisfying. Just follow a few simple tips—dry the skin, use a hot pan, and watch the timing. You’ll get that restaurant-style crispy skin at home. Love crispy fish dishes? Try our easy Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass in 8 Minutes—it delivers simple, delicious flavor with perfectly seared skin.
Crispy Skin Salmon | Easy, Flavor-Packed Seafood Dinner
Equipment
- 1 sauté pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of salmon fillet skin-on
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 lemon half for squeezing, half for garnish
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
- Have everything ready before you start. This keeps the cooking process smooth and quick.
Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels — especially the skin side. Dry skin is key for crispiness. Cut a few small slits through the skin (not into the flesh) to prevent curling. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Salmon
- Heat the avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Use a spatula to press it gently for a few seconds so the skin stays flat.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp and the salmon is cooked about halfway up the sides.
Flip and Finish
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook the other side for about 4 more minutes, or until just cooked through. Sprinkle a little extra salt on the crispy skin while it’s still in the pan. Remove the salmon from the heat right away to avoid overcooking.
Add Lemon and Serve
- Transfer the salmon to a plate, crispy skin side up. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top while it’s still hot. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Dry thoroughly: Make sure the skin is very dry before cooking.
- High enough heat: The pan should be hot enough to sizzle when the fish hits it.
- Minimal handling: Let the salmon cook undisturbed until it naturally releases from the pan.
- Use the right pan: A heavy-bottomed nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best.