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How to Grill Salmon in Foil

An easy tutorial on how to grill salmon in foil packets. This simple method for cooking salmon requires only a few ingredients, a few minutes, and minimal cleanup.

I’m going to give it to you straight: I could subsist – nay, thrive – on grilled salmon alone. There’s something about that smoky-charred flavor with the crispy skin that makes my mouth buds sing each and every time.

How to Grill Salmon in Foil - an easy recipe that results in mouth-watering salmon every time! Keto, Paleo, Whole30 - a healthy summer meal!

Truthfully, I’m all about drizzling a little avocado oil over the salmon, sprinkling it with spices, and plunking it right down on the grill. If you’re like me and prefer the fish-to-grill method, you can scope out the way I do it in The Only Grilled Salmon Recipe You’ll Ever Need .

While foil-less is my preference, I know there are plenty of you who enjoy cooking your salmon in foil. For those of you who prefer grilled salmon in foil, I have the easiest little tutorial for you. It involves you, some tin foil, your salmon fillet, a lemon, some seasoning, and oil. And salt… don’t forget the salt.

How to Grill Salmon in Foil - an easy tutorial for grilling season

If you’re barbecuing a great deal of other items, grilling salmon in a foil packet can be a useful way to conserve grill space for foods that require higher heat.

Simply place the packet on the shelf of the grill or near the high heat foods and cook directly over the burners.

This BBQ salmon in foil recipe can be adapted to your own personal taste by incorporating your favorite spices and herbs, fresh garlic, etc. It will be a crowd pleaser at your next BBQ!

What Type of Salmon To Use?:

You can use any type of salmon! Just be sure if you’re using salmon that was previously frozen that it is completely thawed before you grill it.

Atlantic salmon, king salmon, choho salmon, and sockeye salmon are all amazing. I personally prefer King salmon or Atlantic salmon because they’re fattier and therefore more flavorful and tender.

How to Grill Salmon in Foil:

Fire up your grill! You’ll want to preheat the grill to medium-high (or 400 to 450 degrees F) while you’re prepping the salmon to save yourself some time.

Gather your salmon fillets. You can use any size you would like, but I find the smaller fillets are easier to manage when removing from the grill.

How to Grill Salmon in foil

Place them on a long sheet of foil – large enough to fold over the salmon to create an enclosed packet.

Drizzle avocado (or olive) oil over the fish, then sprinkle it with sea salt and Italian seasoning (or your favorite seasonings).

Lay some lemon slices on top (skip if you aren’t into lemon), then wrap it all up in a cute little package.

How to Grill Salmon in Foil - an easy method with photos

Place said package on the grill and cover. Cook 10 to 12 minutes (depending on thickness of salmon and your desired level of done-ness. And that’s all you need for your grilled salmon in foil!

How to grill salmon in foil

Serve with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy! 

How Long To Grill Salmon in Foil:

Salmon is considered fully cooked by the FDA when it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, salmon on the grill in foil takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook. The best way of ensuring your salmon is fully cooked is using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer in the center of the thickest part of the salmon to get an accurate read. 

Do note that the salmon will continue cooking after it is removed from the grill. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best results!

How to Season Salmon:

There are many options for seasoning salmon to perfection! In this recipe, we use Italian seasoning and sea salt. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika is also magnificent! Simply sprinkle your favorite seasonings liberally over the fish and you’re good to go. Lemon pepper? Excellent option as well.

Grilled Salmon in Tin Foil

Serving Suggestions:

I like eating this salmon in foil with a big salad, my crowd-pleasing roasted vegetables, or my easy go-to  stir fry vegetables. If you want to keep all of the food prep on the grill, you can go for my Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash with Pesto and Feta.

You can also go the pasta salad (try my Pasta Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing or Kale Pesto Pasta Salad), or potato salad route (check out my German-Style Potato Salad with Caramelized Onions.

For dessert? I’m super into Zesty Fruit Salad with Coconut Milk and Basil. Wash it all down with Tropical White Sangria, and you’re in the money!

If you love grilling in foil, also check out my Lemon Garlic Foil Packet Shrimp

And that’s it! Now you’re set for a complete meal at your next barbecue.

My cookbook, Paleo Power Bowls, is now available! CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you for your all your support!

How to Grill Salmon in Foil - an easy recipe that results in mouth-watering salmon every time! Keto, Paleo, Whole30 - a healthy summer meal!

Grilled Salmon in Foil

An easy tutorial on how to grill salmon in foil. A goof-proof delicious healthy recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
2 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into smaller fillets
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning*
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
  • 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush off any food particles from the last time you grilled using a wire brush.
  • Place the salmon fillets on one large sheet of foil (or multiple sheets of foil for easier grilling). Drizzle with avocado oil and use your hands to coat the flesh of the salmon in oil. Sprinkle with Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning), and sea salt. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets and wrap in foil to create a foil packet.
  • Place foil packet on the grill and cover the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through (or reaches desired done-ness). Cook times will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon.
  • Use tongs or a metal spatula to remove foil packet from the grill and set it on a plate or cutting board. Allow it to cool enough to handle, then unwrap the foil.
  • Serve salmon with choice of side dishes.

Video

Notes

*You can also use Herbs de Provence or any combination of dried herbs. Garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and paprika are also delicious options!

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 2 - Calories: 262kcal - Carbohydrates: 4g - Protein: 42g - Fat: 9g - Saturated Fat: 2g - Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bbq, bbq salmon, grilled salmon, keto, low-carb, paleo, salmon in foil, salmon recipe
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Julia
How to Grill Salmon in Foil - an easy recipe that results in mouth-watering salmon every time!
 
Recipe Rating




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jenn

Sunday 1st of January 2023

Great recipe! Made this as part of our New Year’s Eve feast. The salmon was tender and flavorful. And using the foil packet meant no messy clean-up. Thank you!

Julia

Wednesday 4th of January 2023

My pleasure, Jenn! I'm so happy you enjoyed the salmon! xo

eatfrysmith

Monday 11th of November 2019

How many millimeters of salmon should I cut? I think if it's too thin, it's easy to break

Scott

Sunday 14th of April 2019

Did I miss temperature? It’s kind of a worthless article without temp

CEK

Sunday 11th of April 2021

@Scott, it said at the beginning of the recipe 400 - 450 degrees F. A recipe IS worthless if you don't bother to read it.

Julia

Sunday 14th of April 2019

Hi Scott,

As per the recipe, I recommend medium-high heat. If you have a grill that shows actual temperature, that would be 400 to 450 degrees F.

Chester

Wednesday 27th of June 2018

For those of you that want a milder taste of your salmon, try soaking the salmon in brine water for about 30 minutes, don't bother to rinse, just place the salmon on some paper towels and pat dry. Then prepare as you choose, I too like the foil/grill method. Very tender!

Julia

Wednesday 27th of June 2018

That's such an awesome tip! Thank you, Chester! I'll have to try this, myself! xx

MissLindyS

Wednesday 27th of June 2018

If you do not want you food to touch the foil, line it with cooking parchment and be sure to include the part that will cover the food. I do this even with baked potatoes. Works really well.

Julia

Wednesday 27th of June 2018

Thank you Miss Lindy! This is such a helpful trick!

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