I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to make healthy, tasty meals because I’m a busy home cook. My toaster oven is great for making quick dinners during the week, especially when I’m cooking for myself or a few other people. The toaster oven always cooks salmon fillets quickly and perfectly, just the way I like them.
Cooking salmon in the toaster oven is so fast and convenient. But to get tender, flaky salmon, not rubbery overcooked fish, proper timing is key. In this article, I’ll go over exactly how long you need to cook salmon fillets and steaks in the toaster oven using different methods.
Toaster Oven Salmon Cook Times
The basic guideline for cooking salmon in a toaster oven is
- 4-6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness of the fillet
So a typical 1-inch thick salmon fillet will take 8-12 minutes in the toaster oven,
However, factors like marinades, seasoning, and cooking method will affect the time. Here are more specific salmon cook times for different preparations:
Simple Seasoned Salmon Fillets
- 1/2 inch thick – 4-5 minutes
- 1 inch thick – 8-10 minutes
- 1 1/2 inches thick – 12-15 minutes
I recommend seasoning the salmon simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before cooking.
Marinated Salmon Fillets
- Add 2-3 minutes to cook time
An acidic marinade like lemon-dill or soy-ginger will enable you to cook the fish a bit longer without drying it out
Salmon Baked with Sauce or Toppings
- Add 3-5 minutes
Basting salmon in sauce while baking or topping with compound butter or breadcrumbs insulation, allowing for extra cook time.
Salmon Steaks
- 1 inch thick – 10-12 minutes
- 1 1/2 inches thick – 15-18 minutes
The thicker cut of salmon steaks requires more time in the toaster oven compared to thinner fillets.
Frozen Salmon Fillets
- Add 50% to cook time
Always thaw frozen fish safely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Add extra minutes for frozen salmon fillets.
Now let’s look at specific cooking methods and times in a toaster oven.
Broiling Salmon in the Toaster Oven
Broiling is one of the quickest ways to cook salmon in the toaster oven. The high heat from the top element cooks the fish fast for a crispy top.
- Preheat toaster oven broiler on high
- Place salmon skin-side down on oiled pan
- Broil for 8-12 minutes based on thickness, flipping halfway
I like to rub a bit of olive oil on the pan and sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper before broiling. Flip the fish halfway through and broil until just opaque and flakes easily.
Baking Salmon in the Toaster Oven
Baking salmon allows you to top with sauces or bake in foil for extra tender results.
- Preheat toaster oven to 425°F
- Place salmon in oiled or foil-lined pan
- Bake for 10-15 minutes based on thickness
I love topping salmon with pesto or a mustard-dill sauce before baking. Basting the fish while it bakes keeps it extra moist and flavorful.
Toaster Oven Grilled Salmon
You can mimic grilled salmon in a toaster oven using a grill pan.
- Preheat toaster oven to 400°F
- Grease grill pan and place salmon skin-side down
- Grill for 10-14 minutes, turning once halfway
Get those nice grill marks by pressing down lightly with a spatula once the salmon releases from the pan.
Poached Salmon in the Toaster Oven
Poaching salmon keeps it tender and silky.
- Preheat toaster oven to 250°F
- Place salmon in poaching liquid in a pan
- Cook for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness
I make a quick poaching liquid with water, lemon, white wine, and aromatics. The gentle heat perfectly poaches the salmon.
Quick Tips for Perfect Salmon
Follow these tips for foolproof salmon cooked in the toaster oven:
- Always thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge
- Pat fish dry before seasoning or oiling
- Brush both sides with oil and season before cooking
- Use medium or thick fillets – thin pieces overcook quickly
- Cook until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork
- Avoid overcooking – salmon continues cooking once removed from the oven
With the simple guidelines above, you can easily adjust cook times based on the preparation method, thickness, and whether the salmon is frozen or fresh.
Common Toaster Oven Salmon Recipes
Here are some of my favorite go-to toaster oven salmon recipes:
- Lemon-Herb Salmon – Salmon fillets roasted with lemon, parsley, garlic
- Pesto-Crusted Salmon – Fillets topped with basil pesto and breadcrumbs
- Garlic-Butter Salmon – Fillets basted with seasoned melted butter
- Sweet Chili Salmon – Baked salmon glazed with Thai sweet chili sauce
- Maple-Dijon Salmon – Salmon baked with a maple, mustard, and brown sugar glaze
- Salmon Cakes – Formed salmon patties breaded and baked
- Salmon Rice Bowl – Salmon baked over cauliflower rice and veggies
With your toaster oven, delicious baked salmon for dinner can be on the table in under 15 minutes. Way faster than using the regular oven.
Toaster Oven Cook Times for Other Fish
While salmon cooks quickly in the toaster oven, you can also use it to cook other types of fish fillets:
- Tilapia – 4-6 minutes
- Cod – 6-8 minutes
- Halibut – 8-10 minutes
- Mahi mahi – 8-12 minutes
- Snapper – 6-8 minutes
- Sole – 4-6 minutes
The same technique applies – always brush fillets with oil and cook until opaque, flakes easily, and is cooked through the center. Adjust cook times as needed based on thickness.
From broiled to baked to poached salmon, the toaster oven allows you to cook salmon fillets quickly and perfectly in under 15 minutes. Follow the thickness guidelines and recipe tips above to enjoy tender, flaky salmon without overcooking.
Benefits of Cooking Salmon in the Toaster Oven
Why choose the toaster oven to cook salmon? Let’s explore the benefits:
- Because toaster ovens are smaller than regular ovens, they heat up faster and use less energy. This saves you time and money!.
- Even Heat: Toaster ovens spread heat more evenly than stovetops, so your salmon cooks evenly without any hot or cold spots.
- Moisture Retention: The toaster oven’s closed space keeps moisture in, which keeps your salmon juicy and stops it from drying out.
- Flexibility: Your toaster oven’s temperature and settings are easy to change, so you can broil, bake, or even use convection for your salmon recipe.
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prep your salmon properly. Here’s how:
- Going for the Salmon: Pick fresh salmon fillets that are bright pink or orange. Make sure they feel firm and have a light sea scent.
- Spices and herbs: Use your favorite herbs and spices or just salt, pepper, and lemon juice to season your salmon fillets. This will add flavor and make the fish taste better on its own.
- Oil or Marinade: Brush the salmon lightly with olive oil or the marinade of your choice. This will keep the fish from sticking and give it more moisture.
Now it’s time to cook your salmon in the toaster oven. Follow these steps:
- Warm up: Set the rack in the middle of your toaster oven and heat it up to 400°F (200°C).
- Line the Pan: To make cleanup easier, put aluminum foil or parchment paper inside a baking pan or tray.
- Arrange the Salmon: Put the salmon fillets that have been seasoned on the baking pan that has been prepared, leaving some space between each one so that heat can move around.
- Cooking Time: The salmon should be cooked for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick the fillets are. It’s done when it’s cloudy and flaky when poked with a fork.
- Broil to Get a Crispy Top: For a crispy top, broil the salmon for the last two minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Take the pan out of the toaster oven carefully and let the salmon cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it with your favorite sides or on top of a bed of fresh greens.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked salmon right from your toaster oven. Experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and side dishes to create your own signature salmon recipe. Happy cooking!.
More Delicious Toaster Oven Salmon Recipes to Try
Ready to take your toaster oven skills to the next level? Try some of these tasty recipes that use the toaster oven’s ease of use and efficiency. The Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon is a must-try for seafood lovers who like a little sweetness. Its rich, tangy glaze enhances the natural flavors of the salmon. If you want to eat something Asian, the Teriyaki Salmon with Sesame Seeds is a great choice. The sweet soy sauce and crunchy sesame seeds go well together. The Mediterranean Style Salmon with Olives and Tomatoes has bright flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a great choice for a healthy family dinner. These recipes aren’t just for eating; they’ll help you improve your cooking skills by giving you techniques that you can use on a variety of foods. Would you like to share your best toaster oven salmon cooking tips? Join the conversation in the
How to Cook Salmon in the Toaster Oven
FAQ
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?
Can fish be cooked in a toaster oven?
What temperature to cook salmon at?
How long should I put salmon in the oven?
How do you cook salmon in a toaster oven?
Put a sheet of foil on your pan, and coat with oil or cooking spray. Place the salmon fillets skin side down on the pan and sprinkle with salt. Put the salmon in the toaster oven and cook for ~10 minutes turning a little more than halfway through. Test for doneness, remove from the pan and plate with a slotted turner.
How do you cook salmon in the oven?
Lay the salmon on oven pan lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Season with garlic powder and black pepper. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until just cooked through and flakes with fork. Slice the Lemon Basil Butter and lay slices on the fish. Return to the oven to melt the butter.
Can a toaster oven cook frozen salmon?
Yes, a toaster oven is capable of cooking frozen salmon. However, it will take longer to cook compared to fresh or thawed salmon. Increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes, making sure to check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.
How long can you keep cooked toaster oven salmon?
You can store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the salmon for up to 3 months for longer storage. What are some side dishes that pair well with toaster oven salmon?