How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Oven: A Simple and Delicious Guide

Are you craving a healthy and delicious salmon dinner but forgot to thaw your fillets? No problem! Cooking frozen salmon in the oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy this nutritious fish without any thawing required. This method delivers perfectly flaky and moist salmon every time, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

Perfectly baked frozen salmon fillet with lemon slices — Baked frozen salmon fillet on a black plate with lemon slices and a fork, showing how deliciously simple it is to prepare frozen salmon in the oven.

While I often bake fresh salmon, sometimes frozen is all I have on hand. Over the years, I’ve experimented to find the best techniques for cooking frozen salmon, and this oven-baking method is a winner. Whether you use a flavorful dry rub or simple lemon pepper seasoning, your family will love this easy and healthy dinner.

Living in a landlocked state, fresh fish isn’t always readily available. So, I often find that buying frozen salmon and cooking it myself yields just as good, if not better, results than buying “fresh” fish from the market. When done right, frozen salmon can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients for cooking frozen salmon in the oven — Two raw or frozen salmon fillets, olive oil, spices, lemons, and seasonings are arranged on a white wood surface, ready to be cooked in the oven.

There are a few key tips and tricks to keep in mind when cooking frozen salmon in the oven. Using skin-on fillets is essential for retaining moisture and flavor. The skin also helps to keep the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet. Additionally, a drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the flesh moist and prevent it from drying out during baking.

How Long to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Oven

The cooking time for frozen salmon will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets will require a longer baking time than thinner ones. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook frozen salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it is flaky and cooked through.

How Long to Cook Wrapped in Foil

Wrapping the salmon in foil during the first part of the baking process helps to create a steaming effect, which results in incredibly tender and moist fish. For frozen salmon, I recommend covering it tightly with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then removing the foil for the remaining time.

How Long to Cook Frozen Salmon in Oven Celsius

To cook frozen salmon in the oven using Celsius, simply convert the temperature to 200°C. The cooking time remains the same, around 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Brushing oil onto frozen salmon fillets — A hand brushes oil onto frozen salmon fillets with a red silicone brush on parchment paper, preparing them for the oven.

What is the Best Temperature to Bake Frozen Salmon?

While you can bake salmon at lower temperatures, such as 350°F (175°C), I’ve found that 400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for cooking frozen salmon. This higher temperature allows the salmon to cook faster, while the foil helps to steam it and keep it moist. Removing the foil towards the end of baking allows the top of the salmon to get a nice, slightly crispy texture.

How do you keep frozen salmon from drying out when baking?

The key to preventing frozen salmon from drying out is to use olive oil. While the foil helps to trap moisture during the initial baking period, brushing the salmon with olive oil (or avocado oil) after removing the foil is crucial. This creates a protective layer that keeps the salmon moist and flavorful.

How to Season Frozen Salmon

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning salmon. I love using a homemade salmon dry rub, which is a blend of sweet and savory spices that perfectly complement the flavor of the fish. For a simpler option, you can use salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Mrs. Dash also offers a variety of salt-free seasoning blends that are great for salmon.

Baked frozen salmon served with herbs and lemon slices — Frozen salmon baked in the oven, served on a black plate and garnished with herbs and lemon slices, with salt and pepper shakers behind.

Should you bake frozen salmon with skin side up or down?

It’s always best to buy skin-on salmon fillets, even if you don’t plan on eating the skin. Baking the salmon with the skin on helps to retain moisture and prevents the flesh from drying out. The salmon should be placed skin-side down on the baking sheet. This prevents the flesh from sticking and allows the healthy Omega-3 oils to be absorbed into the salmon as it bakes.

Once the salmon is cooked, you can even make crispy and delicious Fish Skin Chips out of the skin! It’s a surprisingly tasty treat that you might just become addicted to.

Baked frozen salmon fillet on a black plate with lemon slices and a fork, showing how deliciously simple it is to prepare frozen salmon in the oven.

Frozen Salmon in Oven Recipe

By
Justine

This is how to cook frozen salmon in oven at 400 without thawing. Flaky and moist, baked in foil it can steam perfectly for a healthy dinner

Prep:

10
minutes

Cook:

25
minutes

Servings:
4

Comment

Equipment

1 baking sheet
1 pastry brush

Ingredients

2
fillets
frozen salmon,
skin on is best
2
tbsp
olive oil
1
pinch
salt
1
pinch
garlic powder
1
pinch
lemon pepper
4
slices
lemon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon, skin side down, in the center of the pan making sure the fillets do not touch.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and discard.
Use a pastry brush to spread 1 tablespoon olive oil onto each fillet. Season each with salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Return salmon to the oven, uncovered for 10 -15 minutes.
* The length of cooking time varies because depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Check to make sure the internal temperature is 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) at the thickest part of the fillet.
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving with sliced lemons placed on top to add flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Serving:
2
oz

,

Calories:
64
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
1
g

,

Protein:
0.1
g

,

Fat:
7
g

,

Saturated Fat:
1
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g

,

Sodium:
10
mg

,

Potassium:
10
mg

,

Fiber:
0.2
g

,

Sugar:
0.2
g

,

Vitamin A:
2
IU

,

Vitamin C:
4
mg

,

Calcium:
2
mg

,

Iron:
0.1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
American

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Frozen Salmon

Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Experiment with Seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings! Try different herbs, spices, and citrus flavors to find your favorite combination.
Add Vegetables: Roast vegetables alongside your salmon for a complete and healthy meal. Broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all great choices. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings and add them to the baking sheet during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Serve with a Sauce: A delicious sauce can elevate your salmon dinner to the next level. Try a creamy dill sauce, a tangy lemon butter sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

With these simple tips and this easy recipe, you can enjoy perfectly cooked frozen salmon any time you want. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love!