Effortless Instant Pot Salmon: Flaky, Flavorful & Ready in Under 25 Minutes
Craving a healthy, delicious, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further than this amazing Instant Pot Salmon recipe! With just 5 simple ingredients and a total time of under 25 minutes – including the time your Instant Pot takes to come to pressure – you can enjoy unbelievably juicy, fall-apart tender salmon. This method for cooking salmon is a game-changer, promising restaurant-quality fish with virtually no prep or hassle, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a nutritious meal in a flash.
Why This Instant Pot Salmon Recipe Works So Well
This recipe is a true marvel for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it takes an astonishingly short amount of time – precisely 4 minutes of high-pressure cooking – to achieve perfectly tender salmon. When compared to traditional baked or grilled salmon, the Instant Pot shaves off significant cooking time, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. Despite the speed, you’re guaranteed incredibly juicy, flaky bits of fish that literally melt in your mouth, retaining all their natural moisture and flavor.
The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its ability to lock in moisture and cook food evenly and quickly. For delicate fish like salmon, this means less chance of drying out and a consistently tender texture every single time. The minimal hands-on time is another huge benefit; most of the “waiting” is for your Instant Pot to come to temperature, during which you can prepare your side dishes or simply relax. This makes it an ideal method for beginners and seasoned cooks alike who want to master quick, healthy meals without sacrificing taste or quality.
This straightforward how-to guide focuses on a basic yet incredibly flavorful Instant Pot salmon, utilizing only 5 essential ingredients: fresh salmon, seasoned salt, black pepper, bright lemon slices, and water for the pressure cooker. It’s designed to be a foundational recipe, giving you a perfect base that you can easily customize. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavor profiles to perfectly match your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s truly a versatile and essential addition to your cooking repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Salmon
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any great meal, and for this Instant Pot Salmon, you’ll be delighted by how few items you need. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the salmon to shine through while providing a perfect canvas for your chosen seasonings. All precise measurements, a full list of ingredients, and detailed cooking instructions can be found in the convenient printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Information & Flavorful Substitution Suggestions
SALMON: For the best results, we recommend using a 1-inch thick, center-cut salmon fillet. This thickness ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from drying out too quickly in the Instant Pot. If you’re planning for two servings, it’s best to cut the salmon into two separate fillets *before* cooking. While it can be cut in half after it’s cooked, the resulting cut won’t be as clean or aesthetically pleasing due to the tenderness of the pressure-cooked fish. Keep in mind that salmon cooks incredibly quickly, so if you opt for thinner or lighter cuts, you might find it’s done even sooner. Always observe for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for food safety. You can use Atlantic, Pacific, or Sockeye salmon; each will offer a slightly different flavor and texture profile, but all will benefit from the Instant Pot’s efficiency.
SEASONING: Our base recipe keeps things delightfully simple yet effective with just seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper, complemented by vibrant lemon slices. This combination provides a classic, bright flavor that enhances the salmon without overpowering it. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability! Feel absolutely free to switch up the seasonings to match your preferences or explore new flavor profiles. Some herbs and spices that beautifully complement salmon include:
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Classic aromatics that are always a winner.
- Mustard Powder: Offers a subtle tang and warmth.
- Dried Thyme, Dill, Parsley, and Tarragon: These herbs are traditionally paired with fish and can elevate the dish significantly. Fresh herbs, finely chopped, can also be added after cooking for a burst of freshness.
- Cajun or Old Bay Seasoning: For a zesty, bolder flavor.
- Lemon-Dill Seasoning: To double down on that fresh, citrusy profile.
- Soy Sauce or Teriyaki Glaze: For an Asian-inspired twist, brush on after cooking or use a very light amount before to avoid burning.
Don’t hesitate to play with different combinations to discover what you enjoy best. A little culinary experimentation is always encouraged!
How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Salmon
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all precise measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Before you begin, ensure your Instant Pot is clean and ready. Remember, the Instant Pot typically takes about 10-15 minutes to come to full pressure, so factor this into your overall cooking time. Our recipe includes this pressure build-up time in the total prep time. Also, if your salmon fillet has skin, you can leave it on – it helps keep the fish moist and can be easily removed after cooking if preferred.
- **Season the Salmon:** Generously season your salmon fillet (or fillets, if cut for two servings) with the seasoned salt and black pepper. Make sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor penetration.
- **Prepare the Instant Pot:** Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Then, carefully place the trivet or steamer rack into position inside the pot. This keeps the salmon elevated above the water, allowing it to steam perfectly rather than boil.
- **Add Salmon & Lemon:** Gently place the seasoned salmon fillet on the trivet. Arrange the 3 lemon slices directly on top of the salmon. The lemon infuses a bright, fresh flavor into the fish as it cooks, enhancing its natural taste.
- **Seal and Cook:** Secure the lid onto the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
- **Pressure Cook & Release:** Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Your perfectly cooked, flaky salmon is ready!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot Salmon
Any leftover Instant Pot salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a microwave on a low setting or in a covered pan on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Leftover salmon is also fantastic cold in salads, wraps, or as a topping for avocado toast.
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen salmon in the Instant Pot, which is one of its greatest advantages! However, for the best flavor and texture, we generally recommend thawing the fillets first. This allows you to properly season the fish, as seasonings tend to slide off frozen food as it cooks. If you choose to cook from frozen, simply add an extra 2-4 minutes to the cooking time (for a 1-inch thick fillet, cook for 6-8 minutes on high pressure). Note that cooking from frozen might result in a slightly less firm texture, but it will still be delicious and perfectly safe to eat.
Whether to keep the skin on or off is entirely a matter of personal preference. We recommend leaving the skin on while cooking in the Instant Pot as it acts as a natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and keep the salmon incredibly juicy. After cooking, the skin can be very easily removed if you don’t wish to eat it. If you prefer no skin, simply remove it before seasoning and cooking.
Yes, you can cook multiple salmon fillets simultaneously, provided they fit comfortably on the trivet without overlapping. Ensure they are roughly the same thickness for even cooking. The cooking time will remain the same (4 minutes on high pressure for 1-inch thick fillets), as the pressure inside the pot will cook all pieces uniformly. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pot.
The 4-minute cooking time is optimized for 1-inch thick salmon fillets. If your salmon is thinner (e.g., 0.5 inches), you might reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes. For thicker fillets (e.g., 1.5 inches), you might increase it to 5-6 minutes. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; salmon is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. A quick release is generally recommended for salmon to prevent overcooking due to residual heat.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Salmon
This incredibly versatile Instant Pot salmon pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it perfect for any meal. For an extra touch of decadence, consider topping your salmon with a luscious creamy lemon sauce, a recipe for which you can find in our baked salmon post. Alternatively, enjoy it simply as is, letting the natural flavors shine.
Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal:
- Roasted Potatoes or Rice: A classic pairing, offering a satisfying starch. Try roasted baby potatoes seasoned with rosemary, or a fluffy bed of white or brown rice.
- Fresh Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables are perfect. Think crisp green beans, tender asparagus, broccoli florets, or even colorful julienned bell peppers, as shown in some of our images. These add essential nutrients and a lovely texture contrast.
- Pasta: Toss flaked salmon with a light lemon-garlic pasta, or a creamy Alfredo sauce for a more indulgent dish.
- Leafy Green Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad with a vinaigrette dressing is an excellent way to balance the richness of the salmon and add more greens to your plate.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier grain option, serve with fluffy quinoa or quick-cooking couscous, perhaps mixed with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Grilled or Steamed Corn on the Cob: A sweet and summery side that complements fish wonderfully.
No matter what you choose, this Instant Pot salmon is guaranteed to be a highlight of your meal, proving that healthy and quick can also be incredibly delicious!
Explore More Delicious Salmon Recipes
If you’re a fan of salmon, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile and healthy fish:
- Salmon Tacos
- Lemon Salmon
- Poached Salmon
- Maple Soy Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Dijon Lemon Caper Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
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Instant Pot Salmon
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to scroll up! There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find incredibly helpful for tips and variations.
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Ingredients
- ¾ pound center cut salmon about 1 inch thick
- ½ Tablespoon seasoned salt we used Lawry’s
- ½ Tablespoon black pepper
- 3 slices lemon
- 1 cup water
Things You’ll Need
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Instant Pot 6 quart (or similar pressure cooker)
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Trivet or Steamer Rack
Before You Begin
- The Instant Pot will take approximately 12-15 minutes to come to temperature and build pressure. The total prep time for this recipe includes this important step.
- For two individual servings, we recommend cutting the salmon into two separate fillets before cooking. While you can cut it in half after cooking, the delicate, flaky texture might not yield as clean a cut.
- If you are using a thinner cut of salmon (less than 1 inch thick), be aware that it will likely cook faster. Adjust the cooking time by reducing it to 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For best results, use fresh or thoroughly thawed salmon. If cooking from frozen, add an additional 2-4 minutes to the high-pressure cooking time (total 6-8 minutes).
Instructions
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Season the salmon generously on all sides with seasoned salt and pepper.
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Pour 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot’s inner pot and position the trivet or steamer rack in place.
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Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillet on the rack and top it with 3 lemon slices.
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Place the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s sealed properly, and set the vent to the “Sealing” position.
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Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position (use caution as hot steam will release). Once the float valve drops, open the lid and serve immediately.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.