Name: Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon filet; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried dill; Black pepper to taste; 2 tsp garlic (chopped); squirt of lemon juice; 4 lemon slices; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh dill; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; ¼ tsp onion powder

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This recipe for Instant Pot Salmon means that dinner has never been quicker! You can make this recipe in just ten minutes. The salmon is paired with a lemon and dill yogurt sauce that adds the perfect level of zest to the seafood dish. Enjoy!

Close up of Instant Pot Salmon with paprika, couscous, parlsey, and lemon slices

I’ve never really enjoyed eating fish, except for when it comes to salmon (and fresh Michigan perch… mmmmm). Ask me if I want tuna (wait, except for Tuna Steaks from the Ivory Coast) or catfish or halibut or cod and my answer will almost always be, “Can I actually have some pasta, instead?”

I tried cooking Tilapia once on the blog for Angola, and it definitely wasn’t my favorite experience. I had to see the eyeballs of the fish and everything.

Okay, so clearly not a fish gal. But salmon? Ooohhh baby, I love me some salmon!

This recipe for salmon is great because there is SO much flavor! You first rub the salmon with garlic and lemon, and then coat it with a delicious spice rub. THEN, you make a lemon-dill sauce to go on top of the salmon that adds a whole other level of flavor and texture!

And, as always with the Instant Pot, it comes together so quickly… In about 5 minutes to be exact! Wow. Just wow. Keep reading and I’ll tell you how to make it 😉

What Ingredients are in this Recipe for Instant Pot Salmon?

Salmon Ingredients

Salmon filet
Salt
Paprika
Dried dill
Black pepper
Garlic, chopped
Lemon juice
Lemon slices

Sauce Ingredients

Plain Greek yogurt
Fresh dill
Lemon juice
Salt
Onion powder

Visit the recipe card at the bottom of the screen for full ingredient measurements and instructions.

How Do You Make this Recipe?

Combine the salt, paprika, dill, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Put the salmon on a cutting board. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze about 1 tbsp of lemon juice on the salmon. Use your hands or a pastry brush to spread the lemon juice. Then, use your hands to rub the garlic onto the salmon as well, making sure it spreads evenly across the filet.

Use your hands to rub the spice blend on the salmon.

Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot, then put the salmon filet on the trivet. Place the lemon slices on top of the salmon.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure to HIGH for 3-5 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your salmon. When the salmon finishes cooking, perform a Quick Release.

In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients together. Serve alongside the salmon. Enjoy!

Leave a comment on this post letting me know what you thought.

How Long Do You Cook Salmon in the Instant Pot?

This is a good question! Most of the recipes I see online for salmon have about a 3 minute cook time.

When I first tested this recipe, I tested it with a 3 minute cook time. The salmon was cooked, but it was definitely a little rare for my liking. When I experimented again, I cooked the salmon for 5 minutes instead of 3. This 5 minutes, alongside a natural release, definitely cooked the salmon more to my liking.

zoomed out salmon with couscous and lemon

How Do I Know if Salmon is Cooked?

There are a few ways to know if salmon is cooked. First of all, you want to look for the skin to flake off of the salmon. If the skin flakes on the filet, your salmon is done cooking.

Also, according to the USDA, a salmon has finished cooking once it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You should place the thermometer in the thickest part of the filet.

If you’ve cooked your salmon for the recommended time but still don’t think it’s cooked enough, that’s okay! Simply add a little more water to your Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for another minute or two. This should bring the filet to your liking.

Do I Eat the Skin of Salmon?

I personally have never been one to eat the skin of a salmon (or any fish for that matter). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t!

The skin of a salmon is edible, and some people even prefer it! The health benefits found in the salmon filet are also found in the skin.

The main consideration when deciding to eat salmon is if you trust the source from which you got your fish. You will want to make sure that your salmon was raised in clean conditions and that you clean the skin very well before consuming.

instant pot salmon with lemon dill sauce

What Goes Well with This Recipe for Instant Pot Salmon?

We made a full meal out of this Instant Pot Salmon by pairing it with a few more of our Instant Pot favorites. We made Israeli Couscous in the Instant Pot as well as Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.

It was an Instant Pot-filled evening, which means that dinner was quick and easy and so delicious!

Did you like this Instant Pot Salmon Recipe? If so, leave a comment letting me know what you thought! Don’t forget to take a photo and post it on Facebook or Instagram tagging @TheForeignFork or hashtag #TheForeignFork.

If you liked this recipe, make sure to check out these other recipes that I think you’ll like as well!