There’s nothing better than perfectly cooked, tender and moist salmon. You can easily achieve a delicious piece of salmon in your oven! The trick is knowing exactly what to do to achieve juicy and flaky results every time. Keep reading for a handy guide on how long to bake the best salmon in a 400℉ oven.
Salmon is one of the healthiest sources of protein you can eat. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids high in B vitamins, and a good source of potassium. It’s also readily available at grocery stores and your local fishmonger.
The challenge with cooking salmon – any other types of fish as well – is knowing how to prepare it so it’s moist and delicious. There’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked fish or worse, fish that’s undercooked! So, instead of frying salmon on the stovetop, we suggest trying it baked instead. Keep reading to learn more about this delicious fish and how to bake it so it’s tender and flaky.
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How Long to Bake Salmon at 400?
Generally speaking, 1-inch thick salmon fillets would take about 12 minutes to cook in a 400℉ oven. Note that the temperature of the salmon will continue to rise a few degrees after it’s removed from the oven. And because ovens can vary, it’s always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. For a firm texture, cook the salmon until it reaches 140℉. If you prefer your salmon more rare, cook it to 135℉.
How Long to Bake Salmon in Foil at 400?
If you’re baking the salmon covered with foil, the cooking time can be reduced because foil locks in moisture, causing the fish to cook faster. Check it with an instant-read thermometer at about the 7 or 8 minute mark to check for doneness.
How Long to Bake Salmon at Different Temperatures (For 1-inch Thick Salmon)
Oven Temperature | Portion | Whole Fillet |
350°F | 16-18 min | 20-24 min |
375°F | 14-16 min | 17-20 min |
400°F | 12-14 min | 14-17 min |
425°F | 10-12 min | 12-14 min |
450°F | 8-10 min | 10-12 min |
You’ll need to add 4-6 minutes for every additional 1/2-inch of thickness.
Pro Tip: Always watch your salmon carefully for the final few minutes, especially at higher temperatures since it’s easy to overcook! If you’re using a convection/forced air oven, you may need to reduce the bake time up to 30%.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
When salmon is done, the flesh will be opaque in the center and flake easily. Undercooked salmon will still be translucent and resist flaking, while overcooked salmon will be dry and chewy.
The most reliable way to check for doneness is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon.
- Cook to 135°F if you prefer rarer salmon or are using wild salmon, which is leaner and easier to dry out.
- Cook to 140°F maximum if you want a firmer texture. The temperature will keep rising out of the oven to reach the USDA recommended level of 145°F.
If you don’t have an instant thermometer available, you can slide a fork into the thickest section at an angle and twist slightly. The flesh will be opaque and begin to flake when it’s done. The surface will also be firm to the touch, but slightly springy.
How to Bake Salmon
Baking salmon is actually pretty straightforward. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment. Place the salmon on top and pat dry with paper towels. Then rub some canola oil on all sides and sprinkle your favorite dry seasonings on top.
Baked to desired doneness, or about 10-12 minutes at 425°F for 8-oz filets that are 1-inch thick. Then remove from the oven and serve warm!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Bake Salmon at 375?
Salmon baked in a 375°F oven will take approximately 14-16 minutes for 1” thick fillets.
How Long to Bake Salmon in the Oven at 350?
Because of the lower temperature, 1” thick salmon fillets baked in a 350°F oven will take approximately 16-18 minutes.
How Long to Bake Salmon at 425?
Salmon cooked at a higher temperature will be cooked in a shorter amount of time. Bake 1” thick salmon fillets baked at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
Can You Overcook Salmon?
Yes, unfortunately it’s easy to overcook salmon. Be sure to use the above guidelines for cooking times and use an instant-read thermometer for the best results.
How to Bake Salmon at 400
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon filets or steaks
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature for even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Pat dry the salmon with paper towels. Then place it skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. If there are any thin sections, tuck them underneath to prevent overcooking.
- Brush the top and sides of the salmon with oil. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. It’s done when the fish is slightly springy in the thickest section and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
- Remove from the oven and place the salmon on a plate. Remove the skin if desired and sprinkle fresh lemon juice on top to serve.
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