Go Back

The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Salmon: 5 Foolproof Cooking Methods

Sophie
Master five foolproof methods for cooking perfect salmon every time, from baking and pan-searing to grilling, poaching, and air frying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs dill, parsley, or thyme

Instructions
 

  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is essential for achieving crispy skin when pan-searing or grilling.Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs if desired.Choose your cooking method:
  • Method 1: BakingPreheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Bake for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork but still maintains a slightly translucent center
  • .Method 2: Pan-SearingHeat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.Add oil and place salmon skin-side down.Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy.Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
  • Method 3: GrillingPreheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-205°C).Oil grates well.Place salmon flesh-side down and grill undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.Flip carefully and cook skin-side down for 3-4 minutes more.
  • Method 4: PoachingIn a large, shallow pan, add enough liquid (water with aromatics, white wine, or fish stock) to come halfway up the sides of your salmon fillets.Bring to a gentle simmer at 170-180°F (77-82°C).Add salmon and cook covered for 8-10 minutes until just opaque
  • .Method 5: Air FryingPreheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).Place seasoned salmon skin-side down in the basket.Cook for 7-9 minutes until it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Notes

  • Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks slightly moist in the center.
  • For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).
  • Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Categories: Main Course, Seafood Keywords: salmon recipes, baked salmon, pan-seared salmon, grilled salmon, poached salmon, air fryer salmon
Keyword Perfect Salmon