Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to keep on hand because it’s easy to prepare, versatile, and always feels a little special. This Baked Panko Crusted Salmon takes a simple salmon fillet and transforms it into a restaurant-worthy meal with a golden, buttery panko topping that adds the perfect crunch to every bite.
The combination of grainy mustard and mayonnaise helps the panko adhere while keeping the salmon moist and flaky as it bakes.
Why You Will Love This Panko Crusted Salmon Recipe
- Golden and Crispy Every Time: The buttery panko topping bakes up beautifully golden and crisp, creating the perfect contrast to the tender salmon underneath.
- Simple, Yet Impressive: With just a handful of ingredients, this easy salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results, without requiring complicated techniques.
- Perfectly Moist Salmon: The combination of mayonnaise and grainy mustard helps lock in moisture, while adding a subtle layer of flavor.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: This baked panko crusted salmon recipe comes together with minimal prep and bakes in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild flavor of salmon, paired with the crunchy breadcrumb topping, makes this a seafood recipe even picky eaters may enjoy.
- Pairs With Almost Anything: Serve this baked salmon with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, potatoes, salads, or your favorite seasonal side dishes.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salmon: Steelhead trout makes an excellent substitute and cooks similarly to salmon.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
- Grainy mustard: Dijon mustard works well if you prefer a smoother finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the topping won’t be quite as crispy.
- Butter: Olive oil can be substituted for the melted butter.
- Fresh parsley: Fresh dill, basil, or chives can be used for a different flavor profile.
How to Prepare Baked Panko Crusted Salmon
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and grainy mustard.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder, until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
- Brush a thin layer of the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the top of the salmon.
- Press the panko mixture evenly over the salmon, gently patting it into place.
- Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If desired, broil for 1 to 3 minutes at the end of cooking to further brown the panko topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve this baked panko baked salmon with steamed rice, almond rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a simple side salad.
- Add roasted asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to the pan, for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use leftover salmon to flake over salads or grain bowls for an easy lunch the next day.
- Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes to help maintain the crispy topping, or air fryer.
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as the panko crust can become soft.
- Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Individual portions work well and may require slightly less cooking time. Begin checking for doneness around 15 to 18 minutes.
Atlantic, Norwegian, Coho, and Sockeye salmon all work well. Choose a fillet that is relatively uniform in thickness for the most even cooking.
The mayonnaise acts as a binder for the panko topping while helping keep the salmon moist and tender during baking.
Yes. You can assemble the salmon several hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier texture. Traditional breadcrumbs will produce a denser crust.
Yes. Skin-on salmon works beautifully in this recipe. The skin helps hold the fillet together and can be easily removed after baking.
More Easy Baked Salmon Recipes to Love
This Baked Panko Crusted Salmon is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. A light layer of grainy mustard and mayonnaise helps a buttery panko topping adhere to the salmon, creating a golden crust while keeping the fish moist and flaky. Whether you’re looking for an easy seafood dinner or a reliable salmon recipe for entertaining, this one is sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.
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Baked Panko Crusted Salmon
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- Author: Charlotte Fashion Plate
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
Golden, crispy Baked Panko Crusted Salmon with a buttery breadcrumb topping. An easy salmon dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 pounds salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons grainy mustard
- 1½ tablespoons butter, melted
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and grainy mustard.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder, until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
- Brush a thin layer of the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the top of the salmon.
- Press the panko mixture evenly over the salmon, gently patting it into place.
- Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If desired, broil for 1 to 3 minutes at the end of cooking to further brown the panko topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry helps the topping adhere better.
- Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
- For extra crunch, broil the salmon for a minute or two at the end of cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven to help maintain the crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
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