Perfectly baked salmon is tender, flaky, and moist. You can easily achieve a delicious piece of salmon in your oven! If you bake your salmon in foil at 350 F degrees, the trick is knowing exactly how long to bake salmon to achieve the juicy results every time.
There’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked salmon or worse, fish that’s undercooked! So, instead of frying salmon on the stove top, 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.

Table of Contents
Why Should I Bake Salmon in Foil?
The foil helps to lock in moisture and ensures that the salmon turns out moist and tender every single time.
In addition, when wrapped in foil, the seasoning will be sealed inside of the foil.
How Long to Bake Salmon in Foil at 350 F
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. Generally speaking, 1-inch thick salmon fillets would take about 12 to 18 minutes to cook in a 350℉ oven. Use an instant-read thermometer at about the 10-minute mark to check for doneness.
Note that the temperature of the salmon will continue to rise a few degrees after it’s removed from the oven.
Salmon Internal Temperature
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 Different Temperatures (For 1-inch Thick Salmon)
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | |
| Portion | Whole fillet | |
| 350°F | 12-18 min | 15-24 min |
| 375°F | 10-16 min | 12-20 min |
| 400°F | 9-14 min | 10-17 min |
| 425°F | 8-12 min | 9-14 min |
| 450°F | 7-10 min | 8-12 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 part of the fish at an angle, and twist slightly. The flesh will be opaque and beginning to flake when it’s done. The surface will also be firm to the touch, but slightly springy.

How to Bake Salmon in Foil
Baking salmon is actually pretty straightforward. Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. 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.
Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon and cover it completely. Leave a small room inside of the foil for the air to circulate.
Baked to desired doneness, or about 12-18 minutes at 350°F for 1-inch thick fillets. Then remove from the oven and serve warm!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Bake Salmon in Foil at 375°F?
Salmon baked in a 375°F oven will take approximately 10-16 minutes for 1” thick fillets.
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.
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How to Bake Salmon in Foil at 350 (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillets 1-inch thick
- 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 350°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.
- Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon and cover it completely. Leave a small room inside of the foil for the air to circulate.
- Baked to desired doneness, or about 12-18 minutes at 350°F. It’s done when the fish is slightly springy in the thickest section and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
- Remove the skin if desired and sprinkle fresh lemon juice on top to serve.

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