Instant Pot Salmon

Did you know that you can make mouthwatering, flavorful salmon fillets right in your Instant Pot? This Instant Pot Salmon recipe requires minimal prep work but yields deliciously flaky, delicate fish.

Whether you're using frozen or fresh salmon fillets, you can have a healthy meal on the table in 15 minutes!

If you love salmon, you'll want to make these honey garlic salmon bites next. Do you enjoy cooking simple low carb seafood dishes at home? You might like our keto jambalaya recipe too.

If you love using the instant pot, try these Instant Pot Chicken Legs next.

Jump to:

• Instant Pot Salmon Recipe 
• Ingredients
• How to Make Salmon in the Instant Pot
• Tips
• Do I need to add more time when cooking Instant Pot frozen salmon?
• What can I serve with salmon?
• Sauces that go well with salmon
• Related recipes:
• 📖 Recipe

Instant Pot Salmon Recipe 

Cooking salmon at home doesn't have to be a science experiment.

With your Instant Pot handy and a few ingredients, you can cook delicate, flavorful healthy salmon in a matter of minutes.

This is the perfect recipe for any busy weeknight.

Pairs perfectly with our burrata caprese for a fresh, delicious meal.

Ingredients

This is truly one of the simplest Instant Pot salmon recipes. All you'll need is a steam rack accessory for your Instant Pot and 6 simple ingredients:

• Water - This is what steams the salmon as it cooks, and helps retain moisture so your salmon doesn't get dried out.
• Salmon - A one-pound salmon fillet with the skin on, or one pound of salmon in 2-4 smaller fresh salmon filets. See my note below for skinless salmon.
• Olive oil - Olive oils adds flavor and helps the salmon cook.
• Salt - A little salt goes a long way. You can always omit the salt and add your favorite spices or seasoning salt. We like lemon pepper as well.
• Pepper - For flavor, but you can always swap the pepper out for another spice, if you like.
• Lemon slices - You can omit the lemon but we feel it really adds depth and flavor to the salmon. Who doesn't like lemon juice on their fish?

If you have any questions about the ingredients for this salmon in the instant pot, please leave them in the comments section below.

How to Make Salmon in the Instant Pot

1. Start by 1 cup of water pouring water into your Instant Pot and then place the steamer rack inside. Make sure that the handles are extended upward for easy removal.
2. Place the salmon fillet onto the steamer rack, skin side down. Drizzle some olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle it with salt & pepper. Arrange a few lemon slices over the salmon for flavor.
3. Secure the lid to your Instant Pot, then set it to "Pressure Cook" and adjust the timer to 4 minutes. Press the start button, and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
4. When your Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick pressure release. Remove the lid and let the salmon rest on the steamer rack for a few minutes before serving.

We have a 6QT instant pot, but you can also make this salmon in a 4QT instant pot. Just note that it will hold less salmon.

For the full list of ingredients and instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.

Serve with our keto coleslaw or top with our crisp cucumber salsa for light and fresh meal.

Tips

Keep the skin on. Salmon skin is not only edible, but it works as a moisture barrier, keeping the salmon from drying out.

If you have skinless salmon and the salmon fillets are an inch thick or more, leave the cook time the same. If the fillets are thinner, you can reduce the cook time by 1 minute.

Try adding different seasonings for more flavor. I recommend using:

• Lemon pepper seasoning.
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic.
• Brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Your favorite brand of seasoning salt or spice blends.
• A little drizzle of soy or teriyaki sauce before cooking will work wonders.
• Chop up some fresh parsley as a flavorful garnish.
• Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar before serving.

Don't skimp on the resting time. Just like with most animal proteins, salmon continues to cook as it rests. Resting the salmon also allows the juices to settle and redistribute, leaving you with a medium-cooked salmon fillet that you won't be able to resist.

Don't like salmon? You can use other types of fish too. Simply follow the cooking instructions as written, keeping in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two depending on the type and thickness of the fish fillet.

Try using this instant pot salmon recipe with cod or another cold-water fish such as trout, seabass, or halibut.

Keep in a single layer. If you are cooking multiple fillets, ensure they are in a single layer and have a little bit of room between each other so they cook evenly.

Do I need to add more time when cooking Instant Pot frozen salmon?

Whether you use a frozen or fresh salmon fillet, the ultimate result will be the same. Add an additional minute to the cooking time. The Instant Pot cooks this lemon salmon recipe to perfection every time.

Can I cook Salmon Steaks in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook salmon steaks or salmon fillets in the instant pot. Salmon steaks tend to be on the thicker side. If you're cooking salmon steaks you'll want to add 1 minute to your cook time.

I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but one extra minute should do the trick. If your salmon steaks are two inches thick, I'd add 2 extra minutes to the total cook time.

What can I serve with salmon?

All it takes to turn this instant pot salmon into a complete, nutritious meal is a flavorful side dish or two.

Some of our readers like to serve salmon with green beans and either white rice, brown rice or quinoa. We've been known to serve salmon on a salad, especially when we use cajun seasoning. Delish!

If you're trying to stick to lower carb options, you can consider serving it along with parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts and a side of mashed cauliflower with keto gravy. A platter of keto rolls would make a fantastic accompaniment too.

Instant pot artichokes are also amazing with salmon.

You can also serve this salmon with keto vegetables, for a low carb meal.

Don't forget to top your meal off with one of our decadent low carb desserts for the perfect finale.

If you don't eat keto, you'll want to make this No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake.

For other super simple instant pot recipes, try this Instant Pot Whole Chicken or our Instant Pot Crack Chicken.

If you love making salmon, you might want to try this Air Fryer Salmon next.

Sauces that go well with salmon

• Creamy yogurt dill sauce
• Creamy lemon garlic butter sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Honey garlic glaze

Very Easy Lemon Shallots Capers sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ of a shallot, diced. You can also use onion.
• 1 Clove fresh garlic
• 2 Teaspoons capers
• ½ of a lemon, juiced
• Salt and freshly chopped parsley to taste
• Lemon zest (optional) - for stronger lemon flavor

Instructions:

1. Place butter in a skillet over medium low heat.
2. Once melted add shallots and cook until translucent.
3. Reduce heat to low and add garlic, capers and lemon juice. Add lemon zest if using. Cook for two minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add salt and parsley.
5. Pour over cooked salmon. Enjoy!

📖 Recipe