The cooking time for salmon depends mainly on the thickness of the fillet and the cooking method and temperature used. Here are general guidelines:
- Baking salmon : Roast salmon for about 10-15 minutes or roughly 4 minutes per 1 cm (0.4 inch) of thickness until it is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork
- At 375°F (190°C), a large side (around 2 pounds) takes about 15-20 minutes, while individual 6-ounce portions take 12-14 minutes
- At 400°F (204°C), a 1-inch thick fillet typically bakes for 12-15 minutes; thicker fillets (1.5 inches or more) need 18-20 minutes
- For thinner fillets (~0.5 inch), baking at 400°F takes about 8-10 minutes
- When cooking salmon at 350°F to 450°F, the time varies from approximately 12-15 minutes per inch at 350°F to 5-7 minutes per inch at 450°F
- Pan-frying salmon : Cook skin-side down for about 4 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side until done
To ensure salmon is safely cooked, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but many prefer it slightly less cooked for moistness and texture
. It's best to check doneness by seeing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. In summary, salmon generally takes between 8 to 20 minutes to cook depending on thickness and temperature, with about 4 minutes per 1 cm thickness as a good rule of thumb for baking. Adjust timing based on your oven and desired doneness.
