Seafood
How Long to Cook Salmon
Salmon fillet takes 12–15 min at 400°F in the oven, 7–9 min in the air fryer, or 3–4 min per side on a stovetop. Cook to 125–130°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked.
Reference size: 6 oz fillet, ~1 inch thick
Safe Internal Temperature
125–130°F / 52–54°C = medium (silky, slightly translucent) | 145°F / 63°C = fully cooked
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 400°F / 200°C | 12–15 minutes |
| Air Fryer | 390°F / 200°C | 7–9 minutes |
| Stovetop | Medium-high heat | 3–4 minutes skin-side down, 1–2 min flesh side |
| Grill | Medium-high (400°F) | 4–5 minutes per side |
| Microwave | — | 3–4 minutes |
Oven: Place skin side down on oiled baking sheet or foil. No need to flip. Done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Air Fryer: Skin side down. Don't flip — skin sticks. Brush with oil and seasoning before cooking.
Stovetop: HOT pan with oil. Skin side down, press flat and don't move for 3 min. Flip briefly — salmon finish-cooks from residual heat.
Grill: Skin side down first. Clean, well-oiled grates. Or use a fish basket or foil packet for easier flipping.
Microwave: Cover loosely, medium power. Use for making salmon for salads — not ideal for serving as a main.
Chef Tips
- 1Salmon is best at 125–130°F internal — this is 'medium' and it's still soft and silky. 145°F is food-safe but drier.
- 2Rule of thumb: 4 minutes per ½ inch of thickness at 400°F.
- 3Remove from fridge 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- 4Skin side down for most methods — it acts as a protective layer and crisps up beautifully.
- 5Don't overcook — salmon goes from perfect to dry very rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to bake salmon at 400°F?
A 6 oz salmon fillet (about 1 inch thick) takes 12–15 minutes at 400°F, skin side down. For a thicker 1.5 inch fillet, allow 15–18 minutes. It's done when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temp reaches 125–145°F depending on your preference.
How long to cook salmon in air fryer?
At 390°F, a standard 6 oz salmon fillet takes 7–9 minutes. No need to flip — skin side down the whole time. One of the best air fryer proteins: reliably juicy, quick, and easy clean-up.
How do you know when salmon is done?
Poke the thickest part — it should flake apart easily. The flesh changes from translucent dark pink to opaque lighter pink as it cooks. Best with a thermometer: 125°F = medium-rare, 145°F = fully cooked.
Should I cover salmon when baking?
Uncovered gives you better caramelisation on the surface. Covering (with foil) results in steamed salmon which is softer but less flavourful. For hands-off reliability, covering for the first 10 minutes then uncovering is a good middle ground.