how long to bake salmon fillet at 350

Okay, so I want to bake salmon fillets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but I have no idea how long to bake them. Let me think about it step by step.

First, I know baking salmon is a common method, but the time can vary based on the size and thickness of the fillets. I’ve baked chicken before, and the time depends on the thickness there too, so maybe it’s similar for fish.

I remember that salmon is a bit delicate, so I don’t want to overcook it. Overcooked salmon can be dry and unpleasant. So, the cooking time is pretty important here.

I’m looking up some basic guidelines. I see that a general rule of thumb is about 12-20 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet at 350°F. But wait, does that make sense? I think maybe that’s a bit high. Some sources I recall mention around 10-15 minutes, but it’s been a while.

Let me consider if the salmon is skin-on or skinless. I have skinless fillets, which might affect the cooking time slightly. Skin can provide a bit of protection against drying out, so maybe skinless needs a little less time.

Another factor is the internal temperature. I think the FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F. So, I should use a food thermometer to check. If I don’t have one, I can flake the salmon with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque, it’s done.

I also wonder if the arrangement on the baking sheet matters. Should they be in a single layer? I think so, to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding might make them steam instead of bake properly.

Seasoning or any marinade might not affect the cooking time much, but it’s something to consider for flavor. Maybe I can add some olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs on top.

Wait, if I’m using a convection oven, does that change the time? Some sources say convection can reduce cooking time by about 25%, but I’m using a conventional oven, so I don’t need to adjust for that.

So, for a 1-inch thick fillet, I’m thinking maybe 10-12 minutes. For 1.5 inches, maybe up to 15-18 minutes. Start checking around the lower end of the range and every couple of minutes after that to avoid overcooking.

Also, maybe the size of the salmon pieces matters. Larger fillets will take longer than smaller ones. So, if the fillet is particularly big, I might need to add a few more minutes.

I could also consider the thickness. If my fillet is thinner, say 3/4 of an inch, maybe 8-10 minutes would be enough. I should keep an eye on it.

Another thing, do I need to flip the salmon while baking? I think for fillets, especially skinless, flipping halfway might help even cooking, but some people bake without flipping. Maybe it’s better to flip halfway through, around 6-7 minutes for a 12-minute total.

Preheating the oven is crucial. I need to make sure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F before putting the salmon in to get accurate cooking times.

Let me put it all together: bake salmon fillets at 350°F for 8-12 minutes for thin fillets, 10-14 minutes for medium thickness, and 12-18 minutes for thick fillets. Always check internal temperature and appearance for doneness.

I think that makes sense. I’ll make sure to check the salmon a few minutes before the lower end of the recommended time to avoid overcooking. Maybe start with a timer set a couple of minutes before and check if it’s done by flaking or using a thermometer.

To bake salmon fillets at 350°F, follow these guidelines for optimal cooking:

1. Preparation: Place skinless salmon fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet for even cooking.

2. Cooking Time:

   • Thin Fillets (3/4 inch thick): Bake for 8-10 minutes.
   • Medium Fillets (1 inch thick): Bake for 10-14 minutes.
   • Thick Fillets (1.5 inches thick): Bake for 12-18 minutes.

3. Checking Doneness:

   • Use a food thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
   • Fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque.

4. Flipping: Consider flipping halfway through baking, especially for even cooking, but it’s optional.

5. Oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking.

By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked salmon without overcooking.