Cooking Instructions:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving a crispy skin.
Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, then generously season with lemon pepper seasoning and a sprinkle of coarse salt. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for added flavor. If desired, you can also add garlic powder or onion powder for an extra flavor boost.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan, making sure it coats the surface evenly.
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin side down in the hot skillet. Allow them to cook for about 4 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully.
Flip the salmon fillets gently and sear for an additional 2 minutes. After that, flip them again and cook for another minute to confirm they're fully cooked through.
If desired, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking and baste the salmon with the melted butter for a rich flavor.
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before serving. This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as you can easily save extra fillets for lunches.
For the best results, remember to keep an eye on the salmon while cooking to avoid overcooking.
You can check for doneness by observing the color change; it should shift from dark pink to a light pink. Additionally, making 2-3 small slits in the skin before cooking will help confirm it becomes crispy all the way through.
Serve your fried lemon pepper salmon with lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal!