Flaky Instant Pot Salmon: A Quick & Healthy 5-Ingredient Meal
Discover the secret to perfectly flaky, incredibly juicy, and fall-apart tender salmon in under 25 minutes with your Instant Pot! This revolutionary method for cooking salmon utilizes just 5 simple ingredients and requires minimal prep, making it a hassle-free solution for busy weeknights or when you crave a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked fish and welcome a new favorite to your dinner rotation.
Why This Instant Pot Salmon Recipe Is a Game-Changer
There are countless reasons why this Instant Pot salmon recipe stands out as a must-try for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike. The pressure cooker transforms a humble salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece, ensuring maximum flavor and a delightful texture every time. Here’s why this method is so effective:
- Unbeatable Speed: While conventional methods like baking or grilling can take longer, Instant Pot salmon is cooked to perfection in precisely 4 minutes under high pressure. The total time, including the Instant Pot coming to pressure, is typically under 25 minutes, making it a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights.
- Perfectly Juicy & Flaky Texture: Unlike dry heat methods that can sometimes result in overcooked, tough salmon, pressure cooking steams the fish. This creates a moist, enclosed environment that locks in natural juices, resulting in salmon that is incredibly tender and flakes beautifully with a fork.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just 5 basic ingredients – salmon, seasoned salt, black pepper, lemon slices, and water – you can achieve a sophisticated and satisfying meal. The lemon infuses a bright, fresh flavor directly into the fish as it cooks, enhancing its natural richness.
- Effortless Preparation & Cleanup: This recipe requires very little hands-on prep. Simply season your salmon, place it on a trivet in the Instant Pot with water and lemon, and let the appliance do all the work. Cleanup is also a breeze, as everything is contained within one pot.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Cooking it in the Instant Pot preserves these nutrients and avoids the need for excessive added fats, keeping your meal wholesome and light.
- Versatility at Its Best: While we provide a fantastic basic seasoning, this method is incredibly adaptable. You can easily switch up the seasonings and flavor profiles to match your mood or dietary preferences, transforming the dish to suit any palate.
The longest step in this entire process is simply waiting for your Instant Pot to build pressure, which gives you a few precious minutes to prepare a quick side dish or simply relax.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Salmon
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this delightful meal. You’ll find a detailed, printable version of this recipe with all measurements and instructions at the very end of this post. For now, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need, followed by helpful tips and substitution suggestions:
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Perfect Salmon
Salmon Selection: Fresh vs. Frozen, Thickness, and Types
SALMON – For optimal results, aim for a 1-inch thick, center-cut salmon fillet. This thickness ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from drying out. If you’re planning for multiple servings, you can cut a larger fillet into individual portions (typically 6-8 ounces per person) before cooking. While you can cut it in half after it’s cooked, the texture will be much softer, and the cut won’t be as clean.
The cooking time provided in this recipe is calibrated for a 1-inch thick fillet. If you choose thinner or lighter cuts of salmon, be mindful that they may cook more quickly. Conversely, very thick fillets might require an extra minute or two of pressure cooking. Always err on the side of undercooking slightly, as you can always cook it for a bit longer if needed.
When it comes to the type of salmon, feel free to use what you prefer or what’s available:
- Atlantic Salmon: Commonly farmed, rich in fat, and has a mild flavor, making it a popular choice.
- Sockeye Salmon: Wild-caught, has a deeper red color, firmer texture, and a more robust flavor.
- Coho Salmon: A good middle ground, with a moderate fat content and a delicate flavor.
- King (Chinook) Salmon: The largest and fattiest salmon, known for its rich flavor and buttery texture, though often more expensive.
Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: Yes, you can use frozen salmon in the Instant Pot, but it’s generally best to thaw your fillets before pressure cooking. Thawing allows for proper seasoning adhesion and ensures more even cooking. If you decide to cook from frozen, you’ll need to increase the high-pressure cook time by approximately 2 minutes to account for the frozen state. However, seasoning frozen fish can be tricky as the seasonings may slide off as it thaws and cooks. For the best flavor and texture, always opt for thawed salmon.
Seasoning Your Salmon: Classic & Creative Combinations
SEASONING – This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with a foundational blend of seasoned salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon slices. The seasoned salt (we recommend Lawry’s for its balanced flavor) adds a savory depth, while black pepper provides a subtle warmth. The fresh lemon slices are crucial, not just for garnish, but for infusing a bright, zesty aroma and flavor into the salmon as it cooks under pressure.
However, the Instant Pot provides a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to customize your salmon’s flavor profile to suit your preferences. Here are some popular herbs and seasonings that pair exceptionally well with salmon:
- Herbs: Fresh or dried dill, parsley, tarragon, chives, thyme, rosemary.
- Spices: Smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky note), garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, a pinch of cayenne for a kick, or a touch of cumin.
- Spice Blends: Lemon-pepper seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, a simple blend of garlic salt and dill.
For a different twist, consider a light marinade (like soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor) applied for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Remember, a little experimentation never hurts when it comes to finding your favorite flavor combination!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Salmon
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this incredibly easy Instant Pot salmon recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- First, prepare your salmon. Pat the fillet dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere better. Then, generously season the salmon all over with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) into the pot. The trivet keeps the salmon out of the water, allowing it to steam perfectly without being submerged.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillet on top of the trivet. Arrange 3 lemon slices directly on top of the salmon. These lemon slices will impart a wonderful citrusy aroma and flavor to the fish as it steams.
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing vent is set to the “Sealing” position. This is crucial for the pressure cooker to build and maintain pressure.
- Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cook time to 4 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the vent to “Venting.” Be cautious of the hot steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Your perfectly cooked, flaky Instant Pot salmon is ready!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot Salmon
To store any leftover salmon, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheating can sometimes dry out salmon, so gently warm it in the microwave on a low setting or flake it cold over a salad for a delicious next-day meal. While you can freeze cooked salmon, its texture may become slightly drier upon thawing and reheating.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but for the best results, it’s highly recommended to thaw the salmon fillets completely beforehand. Thawing allows the seasonings to properly adhere to the fish and ensures more even cooking. If you absolutely must cook from frozen, you will need to add an extra 2 minutes to the high-pressure cook time (for a total of 6 minutes). Be aware that seasoning frozen fish can be challenging, as the spices might not stick as well or could wash off as it cooks.
The key to preventing dry salmon is precise timing. Salmon cooks very quickly, especially under pressure. The 4-minute cooking time for a 1-inch thick fillet is usually perfect. Always use a quick release method for delicate foods like fish, as natural release would continue to cook the salmon, leading to an overcooked texture. If your salmon is thinner than 1 inch, you might even consider reducing the cook time by a minute. A food thermometer can confirm doneness; salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
This recipe is highly adaptable and works well in most Instant Pot models, including 6-quart and 8-quart versions. The 1 cup of water is sufficient to build pressure in both sizes. The cooking time for the salmon itself remains the same regardless of the pot size; only the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure might vary slightly.
While it’s possible, be mindful of cooking times. Delicate vegetables like asparagus or green beans cook much faster than salmon. If adding vegetables, they should be ones that cook quickly, like thinly sliced bell peppers or asparagus tips, and can be added on top of the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of pressure cooking (using the “pot-in-pot” method, or carefully arranging them on the trivet). Alternatively, you can cook vegetables separately or steam them in the Instant Pot after the salmon is done.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Salmon
This quick and easy Instant Pot salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect anchor for any meal. Here are some ideas to help you create a complete and satisfying dinner:
- Sauces & Toppings:
- For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, top your salmon with a creamy lemon dill sauce. You can find a fantastic recipe in our baked salmon post.
- A simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is often all it needs.
- Consider a garlic butter sauce or a light pesto for an aromatic finish.
- Starchy Sides:
- Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even a quick Instant Pot potato salad make excellent companions.
- Grains: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or a flavorful pilaf complement the salmon beautifully.
- Pasta: A light pasta dish tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, or a simple lemon-butter pasta.
- Vegetable Pairings:
- Classic Veggies: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus (often referred to as “salmon’s best friend”), or sautéed spinach are simple and healthy choices.
- Colorful Additions: Julienne bell peppers, a vibrant mixed vegetable medley, or roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and nutrients.
- Fresh & Light: A crisp, leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing option.
Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, this Instant Pot salmon is a reliable base for a nourishing and flavorful meal.
Explore More Delicious Salmon Recipes
If you love salmon as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of this healthy fish means there’s always a new way to enjoy it. Once you’ve mastered this Instant Pot method, try branching out with these other fantastic salmon recipes from our collection:
- Salmon Tacos
- Lemon Salmon
- Poached Salmon
- Maple Soy Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Dijon Lemon Caper Salmon
- Pan Seared Salmon
Each recipe offers a unique flavor experience, demonstrating just how many delicious possibilities salmon holds!
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Instant Pot Salmon
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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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
Before You Begin
- The Instant Pot will take about 12-15 minutes to come to temperature and build pressure. The total prep time in the recipe card includes this pressure-building phase.
- If you desire two individual servings, cut the salmon into two separate fillets before placing it in the Instant Pot for cooking. While it can be cut after cooking, the cut will not be as clean due to the tender texture.
- If you are using a thinner cut of salmon (less than 1 inch thick), it may cook faster. Keep a close eye on it, or consider reducing the cooking time by 1 minute to prevent overcooking.
Instructions
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Season the salmon with seasoned salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
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Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot liner and carefully place the trivet (steaming rack) into position.
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Place the seasoned salmon fillet on the trivet and arrange 3 lemon slices on top of the salmon.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing vent is closed (set to ‘Sealing’).
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Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release handle to ‘Venting’.
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.