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Home » Fish » How Long Should You Bake Salmon?

Feb 21, 2025 · Last Updated: Feb 21, 2025 by Calleigh ~

How Long Should You Bake Salmon?

Baking salmon is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to get tender, flaky fish with minimal effort. But the key to perfect baked salmon lies in the cooking time—too short, and it’s undercooked; too long, and it becomes dry and tough.

In this guide, we’ll break down how long to bake salmon at different temperatures, factors that affect cooking time, and how to get that perfect doneness every time. Whether you're making a simple salmon dish or trying our Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce, this guide will ensure your salmon turns out perfect!

Jump to:
  • Ideal Baking Times for Salmon at Different Temperatures
  • Factors That Affect Baking Time
  • How to Check If Salmon is Done
  • Can You Overcook Salmon? (Yes! Here’s How to Avoid It)
  • Best Temperature for Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce
  • The Perfect Baking Time for Salmon
  • Pro Tips When Baking Salmon
  • FAQs: How Long to Bake Salmon?


Freshly baked salmon fillets on a parchment-lined tray, seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices.
Golden-baked salmon fillets seasoned to perfection—simple, flavorful, and ready to serve!

Ideal Baking Times for Salmon at Different Temperatures

1 At 425°F (218°C) – Quick & Crispy

  • Time: 8-12 minutes
  • Best for: Thin fillets (½ inch or less), skin-on salmon, and quick meals
  • Tip: This high temp gives the salmon a lightly crispy top while keeping the inside moist.

2 At 400°F (200°C) – The Perfect Balance

  • Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Best for: Most fillets (¾ to 1 inch thick)
  • Tip: A great balance of tenderness and crispiness, making it ideal for recipes like Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce.

3 At 375°F (190°C) – Slow & Even Cooking

  • Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Best for: Thicker salmon fillets (1 inch or more)
  • Tip: If you prefer gently cooked, ultra-moist salmon, this is the best temperature.

4 At 350°F (175°C) – Low & Tender

  • Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Best for: Large whole salmon fillets, skinless salmon, or meal prep
  • Tip: Cooking at this temp keeps the salmon extra soft and moist, but won’t give you crispy edges.

Factors That Affect Baking Time

Several things can change how long your salmon takes to cook:

✅ Thickness of the Fillet: Thin fillets cook faster, while thicker fillets (1 inch or more) take longer.
✅ Skin-On vs. Skinless: Skin-on salmon takes slightly longer but helps lock in moisture.
✅ Fresh vs. Frozen: Frozen salmon should be thawed first or baked for an additional 5-7 minutes if cooking from frozen.
✅ Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in salmon may require an extra 2-3 minutes of baking.


How to Check If Salmon is Done

The best way to avoid overcooked or undercooked salmon is to check for doneness using one of these methods:

✔️ Use a Meat Thermometer (Best Method!)

  • Salmon is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium doneness.
  • For well-done salmon, aim for 140°F (60°C).

✔️ Fork Test

  • Gently press a fork into the thickest part of the salmon.
  • If it flakes easily and looks opaque, it's done!

✔️ Visual Cues

  • Raw salmon is bright pink and translucent.
  • Cooked salmon turns opaque and light pink.

Pro Tip: If in doubt, remove salmon a minute or two early—residual heat will continue cooking it as it rests.


Can You Overcook Salmon? (Yes! Here’s How to Avoid It)

Overcooked salmon turns dry and tough, losing its delicate, flaky texture. Here’s how to avoid overcooking:

❌ Don’t bake too long – Stick to recommended times based on temperature and thickness.
❌ Check temp early – Start checking at the lower end of the time range to prevent drying out.
❌ Let it rest – Once out of the oven, let salmon sit for 2-3 minutes before serving—this helps redistribute juices.


Best Temperature for Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce

For Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce, we recommend baking at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. This temperature ensures a crispy, golden surface while keeping the inside buttery and flaky.


The Perfect Baking Time for Salmon

Knowing how long to bake salmon is key to getting a moist, flaky, and flavorful dish every time. Whether you like it crispy at 425°F or tender at 350°F, the perfect timing depends on thickness, temperature, and your preferred texture.

Pro Tips When Baking Salmon

To get perfectly baked salmon, knowing the right baking time is just one piece of the puzzle. But what about the best way to prepare and bake it for maximum flavor? If you're looking for a step-by-step guide, check out How to Bake Salmon in the Oven for expert tips on seasoning, baking temperatures, and ensuring a moist, flaky texture every time.


FAQs: How Long to Bake Salmon?

How long should I bake salmon in foil?

If baking salmon wrapped in foil, it typically takes 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The foil locks in moisture, making the salmon extra juicy.

How long to bake salmon with skin on?

Baking salmon with skin takes the same amount of time as skinless, but leaving the skin helps retain moisture and prevents sticking.

How long should I bake frozen salmon?

You can bake frozen salmon without thawing at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, but for best results, thaw first and bake as usual.

Can I broil salmon instead of baking?

Yes! Broiling at 500°F for 5-7 minutes gives salmon a crispy top while keeping the inside moist. Watch closely to prevent burning!

More Fish

  • Perfectly baked salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seasoned with herbs and spices.
    Common Mistakes When Baking Salmon (And How to Fix Them!)
  • Baked salmon fillets drizzled with butter lemon sauce, garnished with parsley and served with asparagus.
    Baked Salmon with Butter Lemon Sauce
  • Crispy air-fried salmon bites drizzled with creamy Bang Bang sauce, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and chili flakes.
    Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
  • A plate of vibrant air fryer salmon tacos topped with mango salsa and fresh herbs.
    Air Fryer Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

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