How Long to Cook Salmon in a Convection Oven for Perfectly Done Fish Every Time

Cooking salmon in a convection oven is a great way to achieve delicious, flaky fish with a beautifully browned exterior. With a convection oven’s fans circulating hot air around the salmon fillets, they cook fast and evenly. But how long exactly should you cook salmon in a convection oven? The cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the fillets and whether it’s fresh or frozen. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master cooking salmon in a convection oven.

Factors That Affect Salmon Cooking Time

How long your salmon needs to cook in a convection oven will depend on a few main things:

Thickness

Thicker salmon fillets will take longer to cook through to the safe internal temperature of 145°F compared to thinner pieces. A good rule of thumb is:

• 1/2 inch thick: 10-12 minutes
• 3/4 inch thick: 12-15 minutes
• 1 inch thick: 15-18 minutes

Frozen vs. Thawed

Frozen salmon fillets will take longer to cook than thawed salmon. While thawed pieces may only need 12-15 minutes, frozen fillets will likely need at least 20 minutes, plus a few extra minutes once uncovered.

Size of Fillets

It usually takes a little longer for larger, whole salmon fillets to cook than for smaller, individually sized pieces. Before cooking, you can cut a big fillet into individual 4-6 oz pieces to shorten the cooking time a bit.

Oven Temperature

Cooking at a lower oven temperature like 350°F vs. 400°F will increase the cooking time. Most recipes call for cooking salmon in a convection oven between 375-425°F.

How to Tell When Salmon is Done

Rather than going solely by time the best way to know when salmon is finished cooking is to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is safely cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Here are some visual cues that the salmon is done:

• The salmon flakes easily with a fork
• The color is opaque and firm throughout
• The exterior is browned (if cooking skin-on)

The fish should not appear translucent or slimy when you cut into it. Err on the side of slightly undercooking, as you can always put it back in for a minute or two if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Salmon in a Convection Oven

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked salmon in your convection oven every time:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F convection bake (or 425°F conventional), Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease with oil

2. Pat Salmon Dry and Season

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season as desired. Popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, herbs like dill or thyme.

3. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place fillets skin-side down on prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded.

4. Cook for Estimated Time Based on Thickness

Cook for the estimated time based on thickness, without flipping

• 1/2 inch thick: 10-12 minutes
• 3/4 inch thick: 12-15 minutes
• 1 inch thick: 15-18 minutes

5. Check Internal Temperature

At estimated cooking time, check the thickest portion with an instant-read thermometer. It should read 145°F when done.

6. Broil for Browning If Needed

If the salmon hasn’t browned sufficiently, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes just until the top browns. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

7. Let Rest and Serve

Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The residual heat will continue to cook it to perfection.

Cooking Frozen Salmon in a Convection Oven

You can absolutely cook salmon directly from frozen in a convection oven with excellent results. Here are some tips:

• Completely seal the baking sheet with foil to trap steam before baking.

• Start checking temperature after 15 minutes. Frozen salmon may need up to 25 minutes total.

• After 15 minutes, remove foil and continue cooking until 145°F internal temp.

• Watch closely near end to avoid overcooking the exterior before the center thaws.

• Let rest 5 minutes then check for doneness. It will cook further as it rests.

Convection Oven Salmon Recipes to Try

Once you know the basics, try out these delicious convection oven salmon recipes:

Lemon Garlic Salmon

Coat salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until flaky.

Pesto Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Brush salmon with pesto sauce, top with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes based on thickness.

Honey Glazed Salmon

Whisk together honey, soy sauce, chili powder and cayenne. Brush onto salmon and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

Salmon with Salsa

Top salmon with your favorite salsa. Bake at 400°F until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Broil 2 minutes to finish.

Convection Oven Salmon Cooking Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate doneness.

• Let salmon rest 5 minutes before serving for the juices to redistribute.

• Add fresh herbs and citrus right before serving to keep them vibrant.

• Reduce time slightly if cutting fillets into individual portions before cooking.

• Oil the baking sheet well so the fish doesn’t stick. Parchment also prevents sticking.

• Frozen salmon works beautifully – just increase time and seal with foil at first.

Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time

With the right technique, you can achieve tender, flaky salmon with a browned crust in your convection oven by monitoring the thickness, frozen state, and internal temperature. Salmon fillets 1/2 to 1 inch thick will take 10-18 minutes at 400°F. Frozen fish will need up to 25 minutes covered then uncovered. Checking the internal temp with an instant read thermometer is foolproof.

For more convection oven salmon inspiration, check out these lemon garlic baked salmon fillets or this guide for cooking salmon in a convection oven. With the proper technique, you’ll be enjoying delicious oven-baked salmon in no time.