Crispy Salmon with Avocado and Herbs

Grilled fish fillet topped with a chunky avocado, tomato, and red onion salsa, served on a white plate with lime slices in the background.

Crispy Salmon with Avocado and Herbs

This crispy salmon recipe gives you golden skin, a tender center, and a fresh avocado herb topping. Everything comes together quickly on the stovetop in one skillet with simple ingredients.

Course Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, International

Keyword cook salmon, cook time, crispy, crispy salmon, crispy salmon skin, crispy skin, crispy skin salmon, filet, fillet, salmon, salmon fillet, salmon recipe, salmon skin, skillet, skin side

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Servings Portions

Calories 48kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Skillet
1 Spatula
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Kitchen Paper Towels

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 Pieces salmon fillets around 6 oz each
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 Pinch Salt
1 Pinch Black Pepper

For the Topping

2 Pieces Avocados diced
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes quartered
¼ Cup Red Onion chopped
¼ Cup Cilantro fresh
1 Juice from 1 Lime
1 Pinch Salt
1 Pinch Black Pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pat the salmon completely dry, season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper, and preheat the skillet.
Mix avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper gently.
Cook skin side down in hot oil for 4–5 minutes, pressing briefly at the start for crisp skin.
Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more, then top with the avocado mixture and serve immediately.

Notes

Place the salmon skin side down first and do not move it. Letting the skin sit undisturbed against the hot pan is what builds that golden, crispy salmon skin without tearing.
Keep an eye on the cook time at the thickest part of the fillet. A thinner fillet will cook faster, so adjust accordingly and pull it off the heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Make the avocado topping while the salmon cooks to save time. The cool, fresh topping is ready right when the hot, crispy salmon comes off the skillet, and it all comes together perfectly.

Nutrition