How Long to Bake Salmon Perfectly at 450°F

It might seem easy to bake salmon until it’s fluffy and tender, but it can be hard to get it just right. Overcooked salmon ends up dry and flavorless. Undercooked salmon is unsafe to eat. So how do you get salmon with a beautiful caramelized outside and a moist, tender inside? By baking it at a high temperature (about 450°F) for a short time.

Why Bake Salmon at 450°F?

Salmon can be cooked quickly and get a tasty browned crust on the outside by baking it at a high temperature, like 450°F. The intense heat makes the outside firm and seals in the natural juices, leaving the inside moist and tender. If you bake the fish at a lower temperature, it will dry out before the middle is fully cooked.

Some key benefits of baking salmon at 450°F

• Cooks faster – You can have perfect salmon on the table in just 10-15 minutes. No need to bake for 30+ minutes.

• Caramelized exterior – The high heat caramelizes natural sugars in the salmon, creating a lovely browned crust.

• Seals in moisture – The quick cook time prevents the delicate salmon from drying out.

• Boosts flavor—Baking salmon over high heat brings out its natural, rich, savory flavor.

• Kills bacteria – The high temperature destroys any potentially harmful bacteria, making the fish safe to eat.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for baking flawless salmon fillets at 450°F:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 450°F. Be sure to give it plenty of time to fully preheat – at least 10 minutes.

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. The lined pan makes cleanup easier.

2. Prep the Salmon

• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before baking. Any moisture on the surface will cause steaming instead of browning.

• Brush the salmon all over with olive oil or melted butter. This helps promote even browning.

• Season the salmon as desired. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, herbs, citrus zest all make tasty additions.

3. Bake for 10-15 Minutes

• Place salmon skin-side down on the preheated baking sheet.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The timing depends on the thickness of the fillets.

• Thicker cuts like salmon steaks may need up to 18 minutes. Thin fillets may be done in as little as 8 minutes.

• If desired, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes to intensify browning. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

4. Check for Doneness

• Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest portion of the salmon. It should flake apart easily when gently prodded.

• For added assurance, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is perfectly cooked between 135°F and 145°F.

Helpful Tips

Follow these tips for flawlessly baked salmon every time:

• Choose uniform pieces – Salmon fillets that are similarly sized will cook at the same rate.

• Watch thickness – Thicker cuts need more time in the oven. Add 3-5 minutes for extra thick salmon steaks.

• Prevent sticking – Be sure salmon is dry and baking sheet is lined to prevent it from sticking.

• Use a timer – Set a timer to avoid over or undercooking. Start checking for doneness at 10 minutes.

• Let rest briefly – Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after baking before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb.

• Add flavor – Consider baking salmon in a flavorful marinade or sauce to infuse it with extra taste.

Cooking Variations

While the basic 450°F baking method works wonderfully, you can also try these tasty variations:

• Broil first – For added browning, broil salmon 4-5 minutes before switching to bake.

• Foil bake – For super moist and tender salmon, wrap tightly in foil and bake at 450°F.

• Air fry – Air frying at 400°F gives you crispy salmon in just 8-10 minutes.

• Toppings – Crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, bacon, sliced citrus, or fresh herbs make delicious toppings. Apply halfway through baking so they don’t burn.

• Seasonings – Get creative with spices and herbs! Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, salsa, pesto, harissa, and teriyaki are all fantastic on salmon.

• Sauces – Brush with honey-mustard glaze, chimichurri, or Thai chili sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Baked salmon at 450°F deserves an equally delicious pairing. Here are some stellar sides to serve it with:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Garlic roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Quinoa salad loaded with veggies
• Lemony roasted broccoli
• Coconut rice or cauliflower rice
• Couscous or Israeli salad

A simple squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon before serving never hurts either!

Perfectly Baked Salmon Every Time

Now that you know how long to bake salmon at 450°F, you can achieve salmon perfection every time. In 10-15 minutes, you’ll have professional restaurant-quality salmon with a crisp exterior and moist, flaky interior. Vary the seasonings and pairings, and this simple cooking method will never get boring. Enjoy your quick, delicious baked salmon!