Time & Temperature Guide to Bake Salmon
Tired of dry and overcooked salmon that doesn’t live up to your expectations and don’t want to waste this expensive ingredient? If so, you’re at the right place.
Consider this post your ultimate guide to how long and at what temperature to bake salmon to get perfect results every time.
Jump to:What Temperature to Bake Salmon
With an unlimited supply of salmon recipes on the internet at different times and temperatures, it can be scary to go out on a limb, sprinkle your favorite seasoning on top and attempt to bake it.
This post will share how long and at what temperature to bake salmon for the most common oven settings at 350, 375, 400, and 425 degrees Fahrenheit as well as share tips for achieving that flaky texture we all love.
How Long Does it Take to Bake Salmon
The length of time it takes to bake salmon will vary by the temperature you set in the oven and whether the salmon is the only ingredient on the sheet pan or not.
The great thing about salmon is that it pairs great with nearly everything, making it an easy ingredient for an all-in-one sheet pan meal.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 350
Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet, expect salmon to take between 20 and 25 minutes to cook at 350F.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 375
Once the oven is preheated to 375F, a salmon fillet will take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook, depending on its thickness.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 400
400F is a great temperature for baking salmon, and it will normally take about 15 minutes in a preheated oven, depending on how thick your piece of salmon is.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 425
Salmon will be ready in just 8 to 12 minutes in a 425F oven, making this the ultimate temperature to get a quick meal on the table fast. This temperature is only recommended when salmon is the only thing on the baking sheet.
Is It Better to Bake Salmon at 350 or 400?
While salmon can be baked at both 350 and 400 degrees, salmon baked along with other ingredients, like veggies, is best baked at 350 so whatever else you put on the sheet pan has enough time to cook as well.
Stand-alone salmon can easily be baked at 400 degrees and done how you like it.
How Long to Bake Salmon in Foil
The advantage of baking salmon in foil is that in a nice little package, you cook salmon, retain its juices and seasonings, and it’s easy to cleanup!
Other than the thickness of your salmon, the two factors that determine the amount of time it takes to cook in foil are the temperature and if you have a whole salmon piece or individual pieces.
Salmon fillet pieces bake great at 400F for 12-15 minutes in foil, while an entire large piece will need to bake at 375F for 15-20 minutes.
Salmon Temperature Chart
Need an easy reference guide to cooking times and temperatures for your salmon? Pick a time and temperature below.
The baking times and temperatures below are for individual salmon pieces placed on a pan, not considering any other ingredients. The time range depends on the thickness (the height) of the piece.
| Oven Temp | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 350F | 20-25 min |
| 375F | 15-20 min |
| 400F | 12-15 min |
| 425F | 8-12 min |
How to Know When Salmon is Done
Once you’ve picked the oven temperature to bake your salmon at and are aware of the cooking time range, it’s important to check for doneness at the beginning of the cooking time to ensure you don’t overcook your salmon.
With a fork, pierce the side of the salmon piece, at the thickest part, and check that it separates easily from the main piece into a flake-like piece. You can also use a meat thermometer and check that the salmon’s internal temperature reads 145F.
Can You Bake Frozen Salmon
Salmon is a terrific protein to have on hand in the freezer for when you’re wondering what to make for dinner because it thaws fast and it can be baked frozen.
To bake frozen salmon, make sure to pick a higher baking temperature, such as 400F or 425F, so the salmon thaws fast directly in the oven and begins to cook quickly. The higher temperatures will help prevent the salmon from drying out.
That said, the best way to ensure your salmon is fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature of the salmon.
Baked Salmon Recipes
Need a few recipes to get a delicious meal on the table? Pick one of these delicious and tested salmon recipes below by temperature.
Baked Pesto Salmon from votes
Bake at 400FThis baked pesto salmon with tomatoes is perfectly cooked with a flaky texture we love and tastes amazing! Make This Recipe
Baked Salmon in Foil from votes
Bake at 400FThis simple recipe for baked salmon in foil that yields perfectly tender, flaky salmon coated with delicious garlic-herb sauce. Make This Recipe
Maple Miso Glazed Salmon from votes
Bake at 450FTender, baked salmon, roasted veggies, and fresh, tangy marinated cucumbers to go on top. Make This Recipe
Baked Salmon and Asparagus from votes
Bake at 400FEasy recipe and easier cleanup, this Baked Salmon and Asparagus will become your go-to recipe! Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Salmon Bowls from votes
Bake at 400FColorful, healthy, and easy. Garlic Butter Salmon Bowls are what’s for dinner tonight! Make This RecipencG1vNJzZmivp6x7ra3Uq5ifrZWjwaa%2FjZympmekmrqxsdGaq66qlWKvorfEZqqapJ2ku3A%3D