Grilling salmon typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side when cooking directly on a medium to medium-high heat grill, depending on the thickness of the fillet. You should grill the salmon skin-side down first, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until the fish lightens in color and flakes easily, then flip and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes to reach desired doneness
. If grilling salmon in foil, it takes longer-about 14 to 18 minutes depending on thickness. The foil pouch is placed on a medium-high grill (around 375 to 400°F), and you check for doneness starting around 14 minutes for thinner fillets
. Key points for grilling salmon:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F).
- Oil the salmon (not the grill) to prevent sticking.
- Grill skin-side down first to protect the flesh and get a good sear.
- Cook 6-8 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook 2-4 minutes more.
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of about 130-145°F.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving to allow carryover cooking
In summary, direct grilling salmon fillets usually takes about 10-12 minutes total, while grilling in foil takes about 14-18 minutes.
