If you need to make dinner quickly, this simple fish baked in the oven is perfect. Ready to serve in 20 minutes, it’s a great healthy dinner recipe that the whole family will love.
Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.
Fish is one of our favorite meals every week because it’s easy to make and full of good things for you like Omega-3s and low fat. My air fryer is my favorite way to cook fish, but the oven is great for bigger portions.
This simple fish recipe baked in the oven is so easy to make that it’s perfect for after a long, busy day. It’s easy to prepare and quick to cook, so you can have a tasty, healthy, and filling dinner in no time.
Cooking fish in the oven can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to cooking seafood. You want the fish to turn out moist and flaky, not dry and overcooked. Figuring out the right oven temperature and cook times for different types of fish is key to getting perfect results every time.
In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking fish in the oven. We’ll cover how oven temperature thickness, and type of fish impact cook time. I’ll also share helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to ensure your fish turns out tender and delicious. Let’s dive in!
Factors That Determine Oven Fish Cook Times
There are several key factors that determine how long fish will need to cook in the oven
Oven Temperature
- The oven temperature setting significantly impacts the cooking time. Most fish is baked at 400-450°F. Higher oven temps will decrease cook time.
Thickness
- Thinner fish fillets and steaks cook faster than thicker cuts. For example, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet may need 12-15 minutes while a 1/2-inch fillet may only need 8-10 minutes.
Type of Fish
- The variety of fish makes a difference. More delicate, lean fish like tilapia and cod cook faster than fattier fish like salmon and tuna. Whole fish takes longer than fillets too.
Frozen vs. Fresh
- Frozen fish will require more time to cook through than fresh. Be sure to properly thaw frozen fish before cooking.
Oven Cook Times for Different Types of Fish
Now that we’ve covered what impacts oven cook times, let’s look at approximate times for popular fish varieties:
- Thin whitefish fillets (tilapia, flounder, sole): 8-12 minutes at 400°F
- Thicker whitefish fillets (cod, halibut): 10-15 minutes at 400°F
- Medium salmon fillets: 12-18 minutes at 400°F
- Thick salmon steaks: 18-22 minutes at 400°F
- Whole fish (trout, branzino): 15-20 minutes per lb at 450°F
These oven fish times are general guidelines, as the thickness and precise cooking temperature will alter the timing. The best way to test doneness is by using a food thermometer or checking that the fish flakes easily with a fork when fully cooked.
7 Helpful Tips for Cooking Fish in the Oven Perfectly
Follow these tips and tricks for moist, tender oven-baked fish every time:
1. Let the fish sit out while the oven preheats
- Take the fish out of the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temp as the oven preheats. This helps it cook more evenly.
2. Pat fish dry before seasoning
- Blot fish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking. Wet fish causes steaming which can make the skin soggy.
3. Grease the baking sheet
- Lightly coat the pan with oil or cooking spray so the fish doesn’t stick. Parchment paper also works well.
4. Elevate the fish on a rack
- Placing the fish on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air circulation for better browning.
5. Brush fish with oil or melted butter
- Coating the fish with oil or butter keeps it moist and promotes browning. Reapply halfway through cooking.
6. Bake fish in the center of the oven
- The center of the oven has the most even heat distribution for uniform cooking.
7. Let fish rest before serving
- Allow the fish to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute so fish stays moist.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Fish Fillets in Foil
Baking fish in foil pouches is an easy, mess-free way to steam fish gently in the oven. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 2 whitefish fillets (tilapia, cod, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- Desired seasonings (lemon slices, herbs, garlic, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut two large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Place one fillet in the center of each sheet.
- Dot fish with pieces of butter and top with desired seasonings.
- Seal the foil tightly around the fish to make a pouch.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Carefully open pouches (steam will release) and transfer fish to plates.
Baking in foil is perfect for delicate fish since the steam keeps it tender and moist. Adjust cook times slightly for thicker fillets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to over or undercook fish in the oven if you aren’t careful. Here are some common pitfalls:
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Skipping oven preheating – Always fully preheat to ensure even cooking.
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Overcrowding – Don’t pack too many fillets on one pan. Space them out.
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Baking at the wrong temperature – Use the recommended temp for the specific fish variety.
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Not monitoring closely – Set a timer and check frequently to prevent overbaking.
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Not testing for doneness – Use a thermometer or check flakiness to determine when fish is done.
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Letting it sit too long after baking – Fish can dry out if you let it rest for more than 5-10 minutes.
What If It’s Under or Overcooked?
Hopefully the tips above will help you bake your fish perfectly, but things don’t always go as planned. Here’s what to do if your fish is under or overcooked:
Undercooked Fish
If the fish isn’t quite flaky and opaque in the center, you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes until done. Watch it closely to avoid overbake.
Overcooked Fish
If the edges are too browned or the flesh seems dry, immediately remove all fish from the oven if still baking. While you can’t reverse overcooking, you can mask it a bit by serving the fish drizzled in a flavorful sauce.
Go-To Oven Fish Recipes To Try
Once you have the basics down, it’s fun to experiment with different seasonings and sauces! Here are some of my favorite oven-baked fish recipes to try:
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Lemon-Herb Baked Cod – Flaky cod fillets baked with a bright lemon and herb crust.
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Cajun Blackened Salmon – Salmon coated in Cajun spices broils up with a crispy kick.
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Mediterranean Baked Whole Fish – Simple yet amazing whole branzino or snapper baked with lemon and herbs.
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Foil-Baked Fish Tacos – Whitefish baked in a foil pouch with zesty Tex-Mex flavors.
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Panko-Crusted Tilapia – Crispy, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping on tilapia fillets.
Key Takeaways on Oven Fish Cook Times
Cooking fish properly in the oven just takes a little know-how. Keep these key points in mind:
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Oven temperature, thickness, and type of fish greatly affect cook times. Follow recipe guidelines.
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Most fish fillets and steaks bake at 400-450°F for 8-20 minutes depending on size.
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Test doneness with a thermometer or check that fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Prevent overcooking by preheating oven, monitoring closely, and not overcrowding pan.
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Adjust seasonings, sauces, and cooking methods to add amazing flavors.
What’s the best fish to use?
But salmon will also work well. I like to use white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut in this recipe. It’s best to use fairly thick fillets that will stay nice and moist when they are baked. You can use fish with the skin on, but I like skinless because this method doesn’t make the skin crispy.
How to make oven-baked fish
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to dry the fish fillets. Place the fish filets on a large sheet pan and cover both sides with oil.
- Sprinkle the filets with the seasoning.
- The fish should be in a hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is flaky and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Super Easy Oven Baked Fish Recipe|Fish Recipe| Quarantine Recipe
How long do you cook fish fillets in the oven?
Transfer the foil packet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish fillet. Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking. After the suggested cooking time, carefully open the foil packet to check for doneness.
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
How long do you cook roasted fish?
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350. This is wonderful for salmon which I usually skin, but that’s not necessary. I’ve done various white fish, too like walleye. for app.30 minutes. I always start my roasted fish in a REALLY hot cast iron skillet.
How long do you cook fish per inch?
Cooking fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness is an old rule of thumb that works perfectly when roasting fillets or steaks. It’s just enough time to cook the flesh through so that it’s opaque, but not so much that it flakes. The only hitch comes with fillets that are uneven. Use your judgment but err on the side of less is more.