We can all agree that salmon is so delicious, but it’s also so delicate. While many people say they don’t like salmon because it’s dry, the truth is that they just cooked it too long. According to the USDA recommends the salmon temperature to be 145°F. When salmon is cooked right, it will be moist, buttery, and fall apart when you touch it with a fork. But everyone has a different opinion on what tastes good, so keep reading to find out what temperature salmon needs to be at for the taste and texture you want.
As a long-time salmon lover I enjoy cooking up this nutritious and delicious fish on a regular basis. Salmon is one of my go-to proteins because it’s so quick and easy to prepare. However, I noticed that recipes would provide wide ranges for salmon cook times leaving me unsure exactly how long it takes to cook salmon to tender, flaky perfection.
It took me years of trial and error to get more accurate cook times for the different ways I prepare salmon. You don’t have to guess how long to cook salmon when you bake, grill, pan sear, or poach it. If you follow this guide, you’ll always get salmon that is cooked just right.
Oven Baked Salmon
Baking is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook salmon To bake
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Preheat oven to 450°F
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Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
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Place skin-side down on a baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
The thickness of your fillet will determine exact time:
- 1/2-inch thick: Bake for 12 minutes
- 1-inch thick: Bake for 15 minutes
- 1 1/2-inches thick: Bake for 17-18 minutes
If baking salmon steaks or a whole salmon side, extend bake time to 18-22 minutes.
Pan-Seared Salmon
For crispy, browned salmon in a skillet:
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season fillets with salt and pepper.
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Place salmon skin-side up. Cook for 4 minutes.
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Flip and cook 3 minutes more until opaque throughout.
Thicker cuts may need:
- 1-inch thick: 5 minutes per side
- 1 1/2-inches thick: 6 minutes per side
Grilled Salmon
For salmon with smoky, charred flavor:
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Oil grates and preheat grill to medium-high.
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Place fillets skin-side down. Grill for 5-6 minutes.
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Flip and grill 5 minutes more.
If thickness exceeds 1 inch:
- Grill for 6-7 minutes per side
Watch thinner tails pieces closely so they don’t overcook. Grilling time will also vary by how hot your grill runs.
Poached Salmon
For a gentle cooking method:
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Bring a skillet with 1-2 inches water to a simmer.
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Add salmon fillets skin-side down.
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Poach until opaque throughout, about 10 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness.
Poaching thicker cuts like steaks may take 15-20 minutes. You want the liquid to stay just below a boil to poach the salmon gently.
Air Fried Salmon
For crispy salmon with less oil:
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
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Brush fillets with oil and season.
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Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Thicker fillets over 1 inch may take 12-14 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
How to Tell When Salmon is Done
Checking doneness visually and with a fork gives you clear signs your salmon is ready:
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Flesh turns opaque and loses its raw pink/red color
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Flakes easily when pierced with a fork
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Surface looks mostly white, peeling away from skin
An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F. Remember, salmon will continue cooking after removed from heat so don’t overcook it.
Now that you know exactly how long your preferred salmon cooking method takes, you can serve up tender, flaky salmon confidently every time. Mastering the right cook times prevents dried out salmon. For more flavor, try easy marinades and rubs. Just adjust cook times slightly when adding sauces or marinades. Follow these guidelines and say goodbye to guessing how long it takes to cook salmon perfectly!
Kyle’s Tips to Avoid Overcooking Salmon
If you overcook salmon, it will be dry, tough, and tasteless, so it’s important to cook it right to keep its texture and flavor. Here are some tips to help you avoid overcooking salmon:
Set a timer. Salmon can quickly become overcooked, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking. Set a timer for the amount of time the recipe says to cook the fish, and check it a few minutes before it stops. Because each burner works at a different temperature, you should write down how long it was on your burner and whether it was cooked to your liking. That way, you can make the perfect adjustments the next time. You’ll be a professional in no time!.
Use a food thermometer. A food thermometer is the most accurate way to tell if salmon is cooked at the right temperature. In the thickest part of the fish, put the thermometer. Make sure it reads at least 145°F (63°C).
Watch the color: As salmon cooks, its color changes from translucent to opaque. The fish is almost done when its clear color changes to a light pink color. At this point, you should start checking the internal temperature with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Cook at a lower temperature: Cooking salmon at a lower temperature can help preserve its texture and flavor. You can try cooking salmon at 325°F (163°C) for a longer period of time to avoid overcooking.
Let the fish rest: When the salmon is done cooking, set it aside for a few minutes to cool down before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the fish stays moist and tender.
You can make sure that salmon is cooked to the right temperature for the best texture and flavor by following these tips.
What is the Proper Temperature for Cooking Salmon?
Keep in mind that the USDA’s minimum internal temperature for salmon is meant to kill any harmful bacteria that might be in the fish. On the other hand, if you like your salmon buttery and flaky, some people like it cooked less, for a more rare or medium rare texture. It’s important to use sushi-grade salmon if you like your salmon less cooked or more rare.
How long do you cook salmon at 400 in the oven?
FAQ
How long does salmon take to cook on the stove?
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Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
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