Salmon fillets cooking times
How long to cook salmon: 12–15 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 8–10 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 6–8 min pan-fried and 8–10 min under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook salmon
Times are for fillets of about 130–150 g, 2.5–3 cm thick.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel. A whole side of salmon (1 kg) takes 20–25 minutes. |
| Air fryer | 8–10 min | 200°C (400°F) | Skin side down; no need to turn. |
| Pan-fry | 6–8 min | over a medium-high heat | About 5 minutes skin side down until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque most of the way up, then 1–2 minutes on the other side. |
| Grill | 8–10 min | under a hot grill | Skin side down on foil; no need to turn. |
| Barbecue | 8–10 min | over medium direct heat | Skin side down on an oiled grill or on foil; don’t move it until the skin releases. |
| Poach | 8–10 min | in barely simmering water or stock | – |
| Steam | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Microwave | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Two fillets, with a splash of water; let stand for a minute. |
Before you start
Pat dry and season. Cook skin side down first; the skin protects the flesh.
How to tell it’s done
Just opaque and flaking in the middle, or still slightly translucent if you like it moist (50–55°C).
Food safety: Fish is cooked at 63°C (145°F): the flesh turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily.
Tip: Frozen fillets can be cooked from frozen: about 20–25 minutes in the oven at 200°C, or 12–15 minutes in the air fryer.
Questions
How long to cook salmon in the oven?
12–15 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel. A whole side of salmon (1 kg) takes 20–25 minutes.
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer?
8–10 min at 200°C (400°F). Skin side down; no need to turn.
How long to pan-fry salmon?
6–8 min over a medium-high heat. About 5 minutes skin side down until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque most of the way up, then 1–2 minutes on the other side.
How long to grill salmon?
8–10 min under a hot grill. Skin side down on foil; no need to turn.
How long to barbecue salmon?
8–10 min over medium direct heat. Skin side down on an oiled grill or on foil; don’t move it until the skin releases.
How long to poach salmon?
8–10 min in barely simmering water or stock.
How long to steam salmon?
8–10 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave salmon?
3–4 min on full power, covered. Two fillets, with a splash of water; let stand for a minute.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.