How long to cook salmon in the oven (time chart)
Quick answer: bake salmon fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for a typical 1-inch-thick fillet. A useful rule is 4 to 6 minutes per half inch of thickness at 400°F. The FDA recommends cooking fish to 145°F (63°C), when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Salmon baking time chart
| Oven temperature | 1/2 inch thick | 1 inch thick | 1 1/2 inch thick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 10-12 min | 18-22 min | 25-30 min |
| 400°F (200°C) | 6-8 min | 12-15 min | 16-20 min |
| 425°F (220°C) | 5-7 min | 10-13 min | 14-17 min |
| 450°F (230°C) | 4-6 min | 9-12 min | 12-15 min |
| Other cuts | At 400°F |
|---|---|
| Whole side of salmon (2-3 lb) | 15-20 min |
| Frozen fillet, 1 inch | 20-25 min (rinse off ice, brush with oil) |
| Salmon wrapped in foil | Add 3-5 min |
Times are a guide. Thickness matters more than weight, so check the thickest part.
Simple lemon garlic baked salmon (4 servings)
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Pat the fillets dry and place them skin side down.
- Mix the oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and brush it over the salmon. Top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 145°F.
- Rest for 2 minutes and sprinkle with herbs.
How to tell when salmon is done
- Thermometer: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part is the FDA’s recommendation. Many cooks take it out at 125 to 130°F for a softer, more translucent center; the temperature rises a few degrees as it rests.
- Fork test: the flesh separates into flakes and has turned from translucent to opaque.
- White streaks on the surface (albumin) mean it is at or past done. Lower heat and not overcooking reduce them.
Oven temperature conversions
400°F is 200°C, or 180°C in a fan oven, or gas mark 6. See the full oven temperature conversion chart.
Storing leftovers
Refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently at 275°F, or flake cold salmon into salads.
Nutrition
A 6 oz cooked fillet has about 310 to 350 calories and 35 to 40 g of protein, plus omega-3 fats. See salmon nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
Do you bake salmon covered or uncovered? Uncovered for a lightly browned top; covered with foil for moister, steamed results.
Should you flip salmon in the oven? No. Bake skin side down.
How long to bake salmon at 375°F? About 15 to 20 minutes for a 1-inch fillet.