1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and the outside crisp up nicely.
3. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend is the heart of your flavor, so mix it well.
4. Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil or melted butter, coating both sides for extra moisture and flavor.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the fillets. Don’t be shy here; the seasoning is what makes this dish sing.
6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if you left the skin on) on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they cook evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets—look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Once done, remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top—this brightens the flavors beautifully.

From my experience, the key is not to overcook the salmon. I’ve learned the hard way that it dries out quickly if you walk away for too long. Keep an eye on it, especially the first time you try this recipe. And if you have little helpers in the kitchen, this is a great one for them to help season—it’s simple enough to keep their interest without overwhelming them.