Salmon generally takes about 10 to 20 minutes to cook depending on the cooking method, temperature, and thickness of the fillet.

Oven Baking Times

• At 400°F, a typical 4-ounce salmon fillet takes about 10-15 minutes to bake. Thicker fillets (over 1 inch thick) can take up to 15-20 minutes at this temperature.

• Baking salmon at 375°F usually requires 15-20 minutes for a 1-pound fillet to reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which is the FDA recommended safe temperature. Lower temperatures like 350°F may increase cooking time to 20-25 minutes for the same size.

• For thinner fillets (~1 inch thick), about 10-15 minutes of baking is typical. Cooking time approximately equals 4 minutes per 1cm thickness.

Internal Temperature Guidelines

• The optimal internal temperature for salmon for moist, tender results is about 130-135°F. The salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so pulling it out at around 125-130°F is recommended for medium-rare to medium doneness.

• The FDA recommends cooking fish to at least 145°F for safety, though some chefs prefer slightly lower temps for better texture.

Additional Notes

• You do not need to flip salmon when baking in the oven.
• Cooking in foil packets helps retain moisture.
• Letting salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute and the temperature to stabilize.

In summary, salmon baking time depends primarily on thickness and oven temperature, ranging from about 10 to 20 minutes for typical fillets, with an internal temperature of 130-145°F indicating doneness.