What is the best temperature for baking salmon?

400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature to ensure a crisp exterior and a moist, tender interior.

How long does it take to bake a salmon fillet?

Generally, 12-15 minutes depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Should I cover salmon with foil when baking?

For a 'roasted' texture and better browning, leave it uncovered. For a 'steamed,' more delicate texture, use a foil packet.

How can I tell if salmon is done?

The fish should change from translucent to opaque and flake easily with a fork at the thickest part.

Handling & Preparation

Easy Baked Seafood

Bake seafood with these simple steps from FreshAIG.com for an easy dinner or special occasion.

Ben

03 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

Baking is a simple method for cooking seafood, using high heat in an oven. Whether you are new to seafood or cooking in general, baking is a beginner friendly way to prepare seafood without a lot of cooking equipment. It's also an efficient way to prepare large amounts as long as you pay attention to cook time and temperature.

Here are some simple steps for baking seafood that everyone will enjoy.

Baking Steps

Preheat an oven to 400°F
Select pieces of fish that are roughly the same size (for even cooking). Pat dry the pieces and season with salt and your favorite seasonings.
Place them in an oiled baking dish (casserole dish or baking sheet), then lightly brush some of the oil onto them.
Place the dish in the oven after it reaches 400°F
When the internal temperature reaches 145°F, it's done.

Salmon and asparagus prepped for baking — For small portions, seafood can be baked conveniently in a toaster oven.

Baking is really easy for cuts of Salmon, Tilapia, and other fish fillets, as well as whole fish and meatier shellfish. It should cook for about 10 minutes for every inch of fish thickness or 2 to 3 minutes for shellfish like Scallops and Oysters. To check if a whole fish like Snapper or Trout is cooked through, gently wiggle a knife into the backbone and look for flesh that's an even color throughout.

Baking Tips

For a roasted texture and better browning, leave it uncovered. For a steamed, more delicate texture, use a foil packet.
If you don't have a thermometer, insert a skewer in one of the pieces after several minutes or more. Pull it out after a few seconds and feel it for warmth against the back of your wrist. If you feel heat from the skewer, it's cooked.
When fish is done, it will change from translucent to opaque and flake easily with a fork at the thickest part.
After removing it from the oven, let it rest like a steak for a couple of minutes before serving.

Baking whole Red Snapper in an oven — Fresh baked fish is an easy and delicious dinner for everyone.

Find Fresh Seafood

Your neighborhood fish market offers some of the freshest seafood available. They are experts at processing fish, offering conveniently cut seafood in forms that are perfect for baking. Shopping with locally owned seafood markets is the best way to buy fresh seafood to your liking, and it supports your community and local economy.

a plate of baked scallops sitting on top of a table — Shellfish bake in only a few minutes.

Take Home

Whether you try new things or stick to what works in the kitchen, baking is a simple way to enjoy fresh seafood for a healthy lifestyle. Join a wholesome movement in support of your community and share your seafood experiences using #FreshAIG when you post on social media. Visit FreshAIG.com to find fresh seafood nearby and discover new ways to enjoy it with family and friends.