How long to bake salmon at 350 degrees F is here. Flaky and fork tender every time, this is the solid timing for baked salmon with dry rub, or with slices of lemon.

A plate containing a piece of cooked salmon topped with lemon slices and chopped green herbs.

We earlier shared how long to bake salmon at 400 degrees for those of you who wondered. This time we went back to our old favorite, simple fish recipe that we have made for years and years. A bit lower temperature to keep it moist with an option to broil at the end for a bit of crisp. (affiliate links present)

How Long to Cook Salmon Fish at 350

If you ever lived on the coast like we did you are probably particular about cooking frozen salmon or fresh filets too. When we go to a restaurant and get a piece that is grey on the bottom we want to cry! You do NOT need to bake it until it is deader than dead, less is more with the things that come out of the sea y'all.

You want your fork to slide thru easily and for your bite to flake off of the entire piece, easy peasy. To do this it needs to be cooked enough to lose that translucent color inside, but not a lot of time beyond that. It will dry out with even one or two more minutes beyond that point. It is tricky, we won't deny that but let's talk about how to cook salmon perfectly here.

A plate with a raw salmon fillets is surrounded by small bowls containing lemon slices, olive oil, black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and chopped herbs, all placed on a white wooden surface.

Baking Salmon at 350

Now for what you use to cook it in or on there are a few choices. Here we used a square glass pan which worked quite well but we have used a sheet pan before and others like a cedar plank instead. To us that is iffy because the little bit of juices can flow off and into the bottom of the oven, better to use that to smoke salmon personally.

When it comes to the seasonings you can go super simple like we did here. We wanted to focus on the other aspects this time. If you do want to go all out though, our salmon dry rub gets RAVING reviews from anyone who tries it. You coat the top and bake skin side down if you want to use this.

Ingredient notes

1 lb salmon fillets were used, with skin-on is preferred
Fresh lemon sliced on top gives it a bit of a citrus flavor, lime would work too
Lemon zest is optional but a wonderful add in
2 tbsp basil or Italian seasonings lend to a wonderful taste
Olive oil will keep it moist, substitute could be avocado oil
1 tsp salt before and to taste when done
1/2 tsp pepper is optional but a favorite with our family

We don't serve with anything but you could drizzle with a bit of sauce to make teriyaki salmon for an added bang. Kids may enjoy tartar sauce while we are good with it as is like this right out of the oven personally.

A raw salmon fillet, seasoned with chopped herbs.

Now unlike our Crockpot salmon you will get a bit of a nice crisp on the outside this way. A nice combination of the two that makes each bite solid if you ask us. Depends on what we are feeling as to what way we make it really. Another factor is what temperature it is outside. If it is summertime we typically don't use our oven, at all.

Now timing will vary slightly depending on how thick your piece is. If there is a big difference between the middle and the ends we suggest you slice it in half so they cook faster and more evenly. No matter what the ends will be drier. In the case of salmon kabobs they should all be the same size.

Oven Baked Salmon at 350

If you wanted to bake marinated salmon you'd want to let it set with your sauce or seasonings for 1 hour beforehand.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Brush top piece of salmon fillet with olive oil.
Lay into baking dish or lined baking sheet with skin side down.
Top with slices of lemons, fresh herbs and seasonings.
Bake salmon fillet in preheated oven for 12 minutes.
Then you can switch to broil for the last 2 minutes if you want a bit of crisp on the top.
This will give you a fork tender not over-baked fillet.

If you want to keep it super moist you don't have to switch to broil at all. Timing will be 12-14 minutes depending on thickness. Check thickest part at 12 cooking time and see if salmon is cooked to 140 – 145 F yet. If so take it out and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. Grilled frozen salmon should be taken off at the same temp.

If you have tried our how to smoke salmon version you know that you also need to measure the doneness in the thickest portion with a meat thermometer. It should be 140-145 degrees when done.

A glass baking dish contains a piece of salmon fillet topped with lemon slices and herbs.

How Long to Bake Salmon in Air Fryer 350 Degrees

Wondering how long does it take to cook salmon? You can use this same temperature to make air fryer salmon if you'd rather. The texture is crispier on top for that one but still wonderful. With preheating you are still looking at around 20 minutes to be done.

Kitchen questions

What color should salmon be when fully cooked?

The outside should turn light pink with white while the insides will be light pink on the inside. If the center has a see thru or translucent look to it you need another minute or two. Best way to test is with a meat thermometer to see if it has reached 140-145 degrees F in the thickest portion though.

What are the white blobs on cooked salmon?

That is actually protein rising to the surface, it's totally fine to eat. Typically you will see these if it has been slightly overcooked but it is hard to get it totally perfectly cooked without them. You can brush them off of the surface to serve or leave as is.

Got leftovers?? You can always save for the next day once it cools down in some aluminum foil in the fridge. We like to dice and throw pieces on top of a bed of rice with teriyaki sauce to moisten them up a bit. OR make it into our salmon quiche recipe. Now jump to recipe and let us know what you think!!

A piece of baked salmon garnished with lemon slices and chopped herbs is on a dark plate.

How Long to Bake Salmon at 350

By How long to bake salmon at 350 degrees F is here. Flaky and fork tender every time, this is the solid timing for salmon with dry rub. Prep: 10 minutes minsCook: 14 minutes minsServings: 4 Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe Comment Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb salmon
1 lemon, sliced
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp basil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush top of fillet with olive oil, sprinkle on seasonings and zest.
Lay into baking dish or lined baking sheet with skin side down. Top with slices of lemons.
Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes, then switch to broil for the last 2 minutes if you want a bit of crisp on the top. This will give you a fork tender not over-baked fillet.
Optimal inside temp in thickest part should be 140 F when you take it out to rest. It will rise a few degrees above that when done to be perfectly tender.