Oven-baked salmon is a go-to choice for many home cooks, and it’s easy to see why. It’s rich in flavor, packed with nutrients, and simple to prepare. But many people run into problems when cooking salmon in the oven, like overcooked edges, undercooked centers, or uncertain timing. This guide will show you how to cook salmon in the oven to achieve consistent, flaky results every time.
Oven-baked salmon works well for busy nights, meal prep, and relaxed dinners. With the right steps, salmon stays moist, flaky, and full of flavor.
Table of contents
Why Oven-Baked Salmon is a Great Choice
Oven-baked salmon works well for many reasons. First, oven-baked salmon supports healthier cooking. You use less oil or butter. This helps keep the natural flavor of the fish. Salmon also contains omega-3 fats, protein, and key vitamins. This makes it a strong choice for daily meals.
This method is versatile, too. You can try different seasonings, marinades, and toppings to suit your taste. Whether you want a simple lemon and dill seasoning or something bolder, like a spicy glaze, oven-baked salmon is the perfect base to work with.
Additionally, it’s a simple and convenient method that delivers great results with little effort. Baking salmon in the oven ensures even cooking for a crispy outside and tender inside. If you use a smart oven like the Typhur Sync Oven, you’ll have even more precise control over cooking.
Salmon Oven Temp and Time Guide
The ideal temperature for baking salmon in the oven is 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the fish cooks evenly, with a tender, juicy interior and a slightly crispy outside. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon. Thicker fillets or whole sides need more time than smaller portions.
- Thin Fillets (around 6 ounces): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Medium-Thick Fillets (around 1.5 inches thick): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Thicker Fillets or Whole Sides (around 2 pounds): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes. Thicker salmon, like farm-raised varieties, will need a little more time.
The key to cooking salmon is to check its internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked but still moist.
For even more precision and ease, the Typhur Sync Oven offers a unique advantage. This smart oven is designed with built-in wireless temperature probes that allow you to cook your salmon (or any other protein) to the exact doneness you desire. The oven will cook your food according to your chosen doneness level which you want from medium to well-done. The probe gives precise temperature readings, which guarantee consistent results without requiring further monitoring.
In addition to precise cooking, the Typhur Sync Oven is equipped with 12 cooking functions, including roasting, baking, air frying, and dehydrating. You can use the smart app control feature to change oven settings and monitor cooking status, and program timers from any location through your phone. This feature makes it incredibly convenient, especially for busy home cooks who want to multitask.
The First Countertop Oven with a Wireless Thermometer
How to Bake Salmon in the Oven Step by Step
Ingredients Needed
To prepare your oven-baked salmon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 Salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Brush the Salmon: Combine melted butter and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over each salmon fillet. The butter will add richness while the lemon juice brings brightness.
- Season the Salmon: Sprinkle minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper over the salmon. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Insert the Probe: To ensure accurate cooking, insert a probe into the thickest part of the salmon. If you’re using the Typhur Sync Oven, this probe will automatically sync with the oven’s temperature settings, ensuring precise doneness.
- Preheat and Start Cooking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the Salmon: Once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it from the oven. If you’re using the Typhur Sync Oven, you’ll get a notification when your salmon is perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and dill, and serve immediately.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Salmon in the Oven
To make sure your oven-baked salmon turns out perfectly every time, here are a few useful tips:
- Don’t Overcook: The most common mistake when cooking salmon in the oven is overcooking it. Use a thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches the perfect internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without drying out.
- Rest the Salmon Before Serving: After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the fish even more moist and tender.
- Use a Thermometer: If you want to take the guesswork out of cooking, a food thermometer is your best friend. The Typhur Sync Oven’s built-in wireless smart thermometer is an excellent tool for ensuring your salmon reaches the perfect doneness every time.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Salmon
Once your oven-baked salmon is ready, there are plenty of ways to serve it. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:
Pairing with Side Dishes
- Roasted vegetables (such as asparagus, carrots, or green beans)
- Rice (a simple side like jasmine or wild rice works great)
- Salads (light, fresh salads with lemon vinaigrette)
Creative Serving Ideas
- Salmon Tacos: Flake the salmon and serve in soft tortillas with avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
- Salmon on Salad: Serve salmon over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of vinaigrette.
FAQs
Typically, salmon in the oven should be cooked for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the thickness of the fillet. Thicker cuts may require a few extra minutes.
You can cover your salmon to keep it moist, but leaving it uncovered allows the skin to crisp up. For a firmer texture, especially with high heat, leave it uncovered.
Salmon pairs beautifully with herbs like dill, rosemary, and thyme, as well as spices such as paprika, garlic, and lemon zest. You can also experiment with more adventurous flavors like cumin or coriander.
Common mistakes include overcooking, using the wrong temperature, or not checking the internal temperature. Always use a thermometer to ensure perfect results.
Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
Equipment
- Oven Gloves
- Bowl
- Spatula
The First Countertop Oven with a Wireless Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Filet 6oz
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted
- 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Fresh Dill Finely Chopped
Instructions
- Brush the Salmon: Combine melted butter and lemon juice (e.g, the juice from 1/4 of a lemon) in a small bowl. Then, place the salmon in a roasting pan and brush with the butter mixture.2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice, 4 Salmon Filet
- Season the Salmon: Top the salmon with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.3 Garlic Cloves, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- Insert the Probe: To ensure accurate temperature readings, insert the probe into the center of the salmon, making sure the safety notch is completely inside the salmon.
- Preheat and Start Cooking: To cook via the app, press the "Start Cooking" button to select the doneness and begin preheating.To cook manually on the oven, press the PRESET and DONENESS button repeatedly to select FISH and your preferred doneness, then rotate the FUNCTION knob to set the oven settings. Press the FUNCTION knob to start preheating. Once preheated, insert the roasting pan into Level 2.
- Remove the Salmon from the Oven: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the roasting pan with the salmon and transfer it to a heat resistant surface.
- Carefully remove the probe.
- Sprinkle the fresh parsley and dill on the salmon before serving.
Notes
Probe Settings
- Mode: Preset · Fish
- Doneness and Temp:
- Medium: 48–52°C
- Medium Well: 53–60°C
- Well Done: 61–68°C
Oven Settings
- Mode: Roast
- Temp: 190°C
- Preheat: ON
Nutrition
(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)
