Name: Instant Pot Salmon
Total time: 24 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
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

Flakey instant pot salmon comes together in a snap with just 5 ingredients and under 25 minutes to spare. This method for cooking salmon creates incredibly juicy, fall-apart tender salmon with little to no prep or hassle!

Why this recipe works

It takes less than a handful of minutes, 4 to be precise, to cook tender instant pot salmon. Pressure cooked salmon is great for busy weeknights and is ready in a fraction of the time compared to baked or grilled salmon, while still producing juicy flakey bits of fish that melt in your mouth. The longest step of this process is waiting for your instant pot to come to temperature.

This is an easy how-to recipe for basic instant pot salmon using only 5 ingredients – salmon, seasoned salt, black pepper, lemon slices, and water for the pressure cooker. You can switch up your seasonings and flavor profile to suit your taste if desired.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SALMON – Grab 1-inch thick center cut salmon. If you would like 2 servings, cut the salmon into 2 filets before cooking it. Once it’s cooked it can still be cut in half, but the cut will not be clean. Salmon cooks quickly, so if you use thinner or lighter cuts of salmon it may be done quicker, just like it would be with any other method.

SEASONING – We are keeping it nice and simple with some seasoned salt and black pepper with the addition of lemon slices. You can switch up the seasonings as you see fit. Some herbs and seasonings that pair well with salmon are smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, dried thyme, and onion powder as well as dill, parsley, and tarragon. It never hurts to play with seasonings to see what you enjoy best.

How to Make Instant Pot Salmon

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Season the salmon with seasoned salt and pepper.
Put water in Instant Pot and position rack in place.
Place salmon on rack and top with 3 lemon slices.
Place lid on Instant Pot and close vent.
Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes and do a quick release.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover salmon in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, I don’t typically recommend frozen salmon as you can’t necessarily season frozen foods without it all sliding off as it cooks. It’s best to allow the filets to thaw before pressure cooking. If this doesn’t bother you, then feel free to add an extra 2 minutes to the cook time for frozen filets.

Serving Suggestions

Top with a creamy lemon sauce that you can find in our baked salmon recipe if desired, or serve as is with a side of roasted potatoes, julienned peppers, rice, green beans, asparagus, pasta, or a nice leafy salad.

More Salmon Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!