How long to bake salmon? Do you feel intimidated every time you have to bake salmon? Dont worry, it doesnt have to be as complicated as you think. With a few tips and tricks, anyone can achieve perfectly cooked salmon in the oven in no time.
In this blog post, we will take an extensive look at the different factors that influence how long it takes to bake salmon so that everyone - experienced chef or aspiring home cook - can make delicious baked salmon quickly and painlessly!
Keep on reading for how long to bake salmon.
Table of Contents
What Temperature is Good for Baking Salmon?
There are a variety of factors that can impact how long you should bake salmon, including the size and thickness of your fillets, how many pieces youre cooking at once, and how hot your oven is. A good general rule of thumb is to bake salmon at a temperature of 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit for anywhere between 8 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your fillets.
Which Methods are Good for Salmon Baking?
How long to bake salmon?
Besides focusing on how long to bake salmon, kitchen equipment is the second factor we need to care for. There is some equipment you can use right at home:
- Oven
- Convection oven
- Stovetop
- Microwave
- Air fryer
- Frying pan
- Grill pan
In addition, there are several other methods that you can use to bake salmon perfectly every time. Some of these techniques include using a marinade or spice rub, placing your fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up, and flipping your fillets halfway through the baking process.
How Long to Bake Salmon?
Method #1: In the oven with
When talking about how long to bake salmon in oven, The Blue Stove will mention about 4 different level of temperatures. Lets go!
How long to bake salmon?
1-Baking salmon in oven at 425 F degrees:
If youre looking for perfectly baked salmon every time and the timing how long to bake salmon, we recommend baking your fillets at 425 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. This temperature is hot enough to cook the fish quickly and evenly without drying it out or overcooking it. Depending on how thick your fillets are, this process should take anywhere between 12 - 14 minutes.
2-Baking salmon in oven at 400 F degrees:
If youre looking for a slightly lower baking temperature that will give you extra time to let your fillets marinate or apply a spice rub, we recommend baking your salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature should still produce perfectly cooked fish, but it may take up to 15 minutes longer than cooking at 425 F.
3-Baking salmon in oven at 375 F degrees:
If youre trying to learn how long to bake salmon as fast as possible, we recommend baking it at 375 F in the oven. This temperature will produce perfectly cooked fish in a shorter amount of time, but be sure to check on your fillets frequently to avoid overcooking them. With this method, you should expect your salmon to be done after 15 - 20 minutes of baking.
4-Baking salmon in oven at 325 F degrees:
If youd like to bake your salmon at a lower temperature in order to prevent it from drying out, we recommend baking your fillets at 325 F. This method may take longer than other baking temperatures (12 - 30 minutes), but it will help ensure that your fish stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Method #2: In air fryer
Following next, here also come 4 different level of temperatures for home cooks to deal with how long to bake salmon.
How long to bake salmon?
1-Baking salmon at 425 F degrees in air fryer:
If youre looking to get perfectly cooked salmon in a quick and easy way, we recommend baking your fillets at 425 F in an air fryer. This technique uses hot air rather than oil to cook the fish, so it can produce delicious salmon in about 9 - 11 minutes.
2-Baking salmon at 400 F degrees in air fryer:
Another great option for baking salmon in an air fryer is to cook it at 400 F. This temperature will result in slightly crispier skin and a perfectly cooked interior, making it the perfect choice if youre looking for that crunchy texture on the outside. Typically, this method will take about 10 - 15 minutes depending on how thick your fillets are.
3-Baking salmon at 375 F degrees in air fryer:
If you to learn how long to bake salmon for well-cooked salmon, we recommend baking it at 375 F in an air fryer. This temperature is still hot enough to cook the fish quickly and evenly, but it will help prevent your salmon from drying out or becoming tough. With this method, you should expect your salmon to be done after about 15 minutes/per pound of air frying.
4-Baking salmon at 350 F degrees in air fryer:
If youre looking for a more gradual approach to cooking your salmon in the air fryer, we recommend baking it at 350 F. This temperature will help prevent your fish from drying out or getting tough, making it an ideal choice if you prefer softer, flakier salmon. Depending on how thick your fillets are, this process should take anywhere between 10 - 20 minutes.
Method #3: In frying pan
How long to bake salmon?
When baking salmon in a frying pan, there are several factors to consider in order to achieve the best results.
- First, youll want to choose a high heat setting that is hot enough to quickly cook your fillets without drying them out or overcooking them.
- Depending on how thick your fillets are, this process should take anywhere between 5 - 10 minutes.
- Additionally, be sure to regularly check on your salmon throughout the cooking process and remove it from heat once its reached the desired level of doneness.
Method #5: On grill pan
How long to bake salmon?
When grilling salmon in a grill pan, there are several factors to keep in mind for achieving the best results not only how long to bake salmon.
- One key consideration is how hot your burners should be set. You will want to have high heat settings on your burners in order to get that nice seared crust and ensure that the salmon is cooked through.
- Additionally, you will want to pay attention to how thick your fillets are and how long it takes for them to cook through. Generally, thicker fillets will require longer cooking times than thinner ones, so you may need to adjust the grilling time accordingly.
- Overall, when grilling salmon in a grill pan, it is important to monitor your fish closely and adjust these factors as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness. Depending on how hot your burners are set and how thick your fillets are, you should expect this process to take anywhere between 5 - 10 minutes.
How to Know My Salmon is Done Cooking?
So we all know how long to bake salmon, here are two tips for you to check whether they are well-cooked or not:
1-Color & texture
- Stick the tip of your knife into the thickest part of the salmon to check if its cooked. Examine the interior of the fish to see if it requires more time cooking. You can determine this by inserting just the tip of a sharp knife into down halfway (You can use a fork, but they usually do more harm than good and may damage the salmons presentation).
- Consider the salmons color. Cook your salmon until the outside is an opaque white, beige, or brown, depending on the cooking method youre using. Youll know its done by checking to see if the center of the fish is still slightly translucent and pink. If its opaque, that means its overcooked. However, if the center is completely translucent, then it likely needs to cook further..
- See how easy it is for the fish to give way. The salmon shouldnt flake-this would mean its overcooked and dry. Instead, there should be some resistance to the knife but then the salmon should give way and pull apart into pieces.
2-Internal temperature
- In order to gauge doneness, insert a thermometer into the thickest portion of the salmon. The best way to check the salmons temperature is by using an instant-read thermometer.
- Make sure the temperature is no lower than 110°F (43°C) and no higher than 140°F (60°C) (following USDA). If the temperature is below 110°F (43°C), the salmon is essentially raw. At 110°F to 125°F (43°C to 52°C ), the fish transitions from rare to medium-rare, respectively. Once it hits 125°F and 140°F, however, it becomes overcooked; 140 ° F(60 ° C)is too high as this will make your salmon tough and dry.
- Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. After the fish has cooked to your preference, remove it from the heat. Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes will let it complete cooking through and prevent overcooking.
Tips to Choose Fresh and Yummy Salmon
Here are some tips on how to choose the best salmon next time youre at the grocery store (because besides the time - how long to bake salmon, the quality of salmon is also a thing for you to consider)
- The fish should have a bright red color and firm flesh.
- Avoid any dark spots or discoloration as this may mean that it is not fresh.
Moreover, there are some other details you can check out:
1. Freshness: Be sure to select salmon that seems firm, moist, and glossy. If the fish has a strong smell or looks dry, it is not fresh. Another way to tell if seafood is fresh is by looking at the gills; they should be red and seem moist.
2. Color: Pick salmon fillets that have fresh, bright pink to red flesh and is the same color throughout. Opt for salmon with shiny, vibrant skin and flesh.
3. Thickness: The fish should have an even thickness from head to tail, without any thin or thick areas.
4. Texture: The optimal texture of salmon flesh is soft but firm, and it should slightly spring back when pressed. When choosing a fish, avoid any that have flaky or dry flesh.
5. Wild-caught vs farmed: Whenever possible, choose wild-caught salmon over farmed salmon. Wild-caught salmon is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and of overall better quality. Even so, both types of salmon are healthy seafood options.
What Can I Serve with Baked Salmon?
Thats all about the time - how long to bake salmon, the ways to cook it. We already finish the baked salmon. So what are some good side dishes to have with baked salmon? Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: For beautifully roasted veggies that complement your salmon, cook them at the same temperature. Consider Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots as lovely pairings for your next meal.
- Quinoa or rice: These plain sides will let the rich flavors of your baked salmon take center stage. If you want an extra flavor boost, cook your grains in stock or add some herbs to the dish before serving.
- Arugula salad: This bright and peppery salad is the ideal partner for our delicious baked salmon. Add some chopped nuts, cheese, and a simple vinaigrette to round out this easy but elegant dish.
- Fruit salad: Looking for a zesty and flavorful side to accompany your main course? A fruit salad is light, nutritious, and refreshing - the perfect option! Pairs well with baked salmon, chicken, or beef. Dress it up with a lemon vinaigrette or honey-lime dressing.
- Sautéed greens: Sautéed greens make a delicious and nutritious side dish to accompany baked salmon. Try incorporating kale, chard, or spinach into your meal for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
How Long to Store Baked Salmon
When it comes to storing cooked salmon, the same food safety guidelines apply. Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking and store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, you can also freeze the cooked salmon for up to three months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long to bake salmon perfectly every time, we hope youll try out some of our other recipes. At our restaurant, youll find a dish to suit any taste. Were so glad you chose us as your go-to source for all things cooking and baking related. For more great recipes, be sure to check back often or sign up for our newsletter. Happy cooking with thebluestove.com!
And this is also the end of how long to bake salmon, The Blue Stove thank you for your reading. Also, dont forget to check out some side information in FAQs section and a short conclusion.
FAQs
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
The best temperature for fish to build color and develop crispy skin is 400°F (205°C). For a gentler way, bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, or until done, at 350°F (175°C). Salmon cooked at 425°F (215°C) creates fillets that are soft and creamy and cook rapidly.
How can I cook salmon so that it tastes the best?
Preheat oven to 275°F. Place a salmon fillet in a baking dish and spread olive oil, salt, and pepper over the top. Bake until salmon flakes easily or the temperature reaches 120°F (about 30 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet).
Is it better to cook salmon in a frying pan or oven?
If you want gorgeous, moist salmon fillets without having to hover over the stove, roasting them in the oven is the way to go. For best results, sear the fish in a pan on the stovetop first-this will make the skin nice and crispy.
Is flipping the salmon necessary when baking it?
Place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side up and dont crowd the pan. Theres no need to flip them over, as they will cook evenly this way and the skin will crisp in the process. And once youve placed them in the pan, resist any temptation to move them around!
What’s the best way to bake salmon – on foil or parchment?
Before beginning this recipe, set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, take a foil-lined baking sheet and place the fish skin side down on it. Season the fish with salt and pepper to taste, then brush it lightly with olive oil. Bake until the fish is just cooked through; this will usually take 8 to 10 minutes depending on how thick the center-cut fillets are (thicker ones will obviously take longer than thinner tail section pieces).
Do you cover salmon when baking?
As soon as the fish is in the pan, gauge its thickness. Salmon should be baked uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes per inch of thickness. With 8 ounces of salmon, bake the dish for 6 to 9 minutes. Always check your fish at the minimum baking time to prevent overcooking of baked salmon.
