Cooking salmon at 400°F is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior in a relatively short amount of time. There are several methods for cooking salmon at this temperature, including baking in the oven, grilling on a barbecue, and using an air fryer.
In this article, we’ll cover the various methods for cooking salmon at 400°F and provide detailed instructions, cooking times, and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
More Cooking Time Information:
- How Long To Bake Salmon In The Oven
- How Long To Cook Pork Shoulder In The Oven At 350°F
- How Long To Cook Ribs In Oven At 350°F
Benefits of cooking salmon at 400°F
- Quick cooking time: Most methods for cooking salmon at 400°F take less than 20 minutes, making it a fast and convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
- Can be cooked in a variety of methods: Whether you prefer to bake, grill, or use an air fryer, there’s a method for cooking salmon at 400°F that will suit your preferences and needs.
- Crispy exterior and moist interior: Cooking salmon at 400°F results in a crispy exterior and a moist and flaky interior, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a contrast in texture.

Cooking times for various methods:
Baking Salmon In The Oven at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with a rub or marinade, if desired.
- Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling Salmon On a Barbecue at 400°F:
- Preheat the grill to 400°F and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Using an Air Fryer To Cook Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the salmon fillets in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Baking Salmon in Foil at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on a piece of foil and season with a rub or marinade, if desired. Fold the foil around the salmon to create a sealed packet.
- Bake the salmon in the foil packets for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Using a Toaster Oven To Cook Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F and lightly spray the baking tray with cooking spray.
- Place the salmon fillets on the tray and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the toaster oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling Salmon on a Traeger Grill at 400°F:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 400°F.
- Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Note: Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets, as well as the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level.

Cooking times for special cases:
Cooking Frozen Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the frozen salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with a rub or marinade, if desired.
- Bake the salmon for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Cooking Stuffed Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with a rub or marinade, if desired.
- Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Note: Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the salmon fillets, as well as the type of stuffing used.
Cooking Wild Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the wild salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with a rub or marinade, if desired.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Note: Wild salmon tends to be leaner and drier than farm-raised salmon, so it may require a shorter cooking time.
Cooking Sockeye Salmon at 400°F:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sockeye salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with a rub or marinade, if desired.
- Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
Note: Sockeye salmon is known for its rich, flavorful flesh and firm texture. It may require a slightly shorter cooking time than other types of salmon.

Tips for determining cooking time:
Cooking salmon at 400°F per pound:
As a general rule of thumb, plan on cooking salmon at 400°F for 10-12 minutes per pound. For example, a 1-pound salmon fillet should be cooked for 10-12 minutes, while a 2-pound fillet should be cooked for 20-24 minutes.
Cooking salmon at 400°F per oz:
Another way to determine cooking time is by weight in ounces. For every 1 oz of salmon, plan on cooking it at 400°F for 1-1.5 minutes. For example, a 4 oz salmon fillet should be cooked for 4-6 minutes, while an 8 oz fillet should be cooked for 8-12 minutes.
How To Know When Salmon Is Done Cooking
There are a few key indicators that can help you determine when salmon is done cooking:

Cooking Time-based On Rare, Medium Rare, And Other Doneness Levels
- Rare: If you prefer your salmon to be rare, aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F. This will result in a salmon that is soft and slightly raw in the center.
- Medium-rare: For a medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This will result in a salmon that is moist and tender, with a slight pink center.
- Medium: For a medium salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. This will result in a salmon that is fully cooked, but still moist and tender.
- Well done: If you prefer your salmon to be well done, aim for an internal temperature of 170°F or higher. This will result in a salmon that is fully cooked and less moist.
How To Store Cooked Salmon To Ensure Food Safety
- Cool the salmon quickly: After cooking, allow the salmon to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Refrigerate promptly: Place the cooked salmon in a covered container and store it in the refrigerator as soon as it has cooled to room temperature.
- Use within 3-4 days: Cooked salmon should be eaten within 3-4 days of cooking to ensure food safety. If you won’t be able to eat the salmon within this timeframe, it can be frozen for longer storage.
- Freeze for longer storage: To freeze cooked salmon, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Frozen cooked salmon can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating cooked salmon
- Use the microwave: Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on medium-low heat for 30-60 seconds, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Be sure to cover the salmon with a damp paper towel to help keep it moist.
- Use the oven or toaster oven: To reheat cooked salmon in the oven or toaster oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches the desired temperature. You can also wrap the salmon in foil to help keep it moist.
- Use the stovetop: To reheat cooked salmon on the stovetop, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired temperature.

Tips For Serving And Pairing Salmon
- Serve salmon with a fresh, light side dish: Some good options include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a quinoa or grain salad. These sides will help balance out the rich flavor of the salmon.
- Add a burst of flavor with a sauce or marinade: A sauce or marinade can add a lot of flavor to salmon. Some good options include a citrusy vinaigrette, a creamy dill sauce, or a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Pair salmon with complementary flavors: Some flavors that pair well with salmon include citrus, herbs, spices, and nuts. Try adding a sprinkle of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chopped herbs, a pinch of spices, or a handful of toasted nuts to your salmon to add some extra flavor.
Delicious recipe ideas for cooked salmon:
- Grilled Lemon-Dill Salmon: This recipe from Allrecipes features grilled salmon marinated in a lemon-dill sauce.
- Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter: This recipe from Damn Delicious features baked salmon coated in a garlic butter sauce.
- Air Fryer Salmon: This recipefor salmon cooked in the air fryer and served with a honey mustard sauce.
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce: This recipe for pan-seared salmon served with a creamy lemon-dill sauce.
Here is a simple recipe that summarizes the information in the article: