The key to good salmon is not overthinking it. Today, all we're doing is rubbing the fillets with a little oil and sprinkling them with salt and pepper before popping them in the oven. Even thick fillets of salmon will cook very quickly so don't wander too far from the oven. Aim for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Since most fillets are about one inch thick in the thickest part, start checking around 8 minutes. When the fish starts to flake easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque, it's time for dinner!