Rich and buttery and wonderfully flaky, this Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon can be made with fresh or frozen fillets. Prep takes about 5 minutes and it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Simple, flavorful, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Life gets busy and remembering to thaw salmon (or any protein) in time for dinner doesn’t always happen. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in: it makes cooking from frozen easy and fast. Pressure cooking saves time and still delivers moist, tender fish.
While fresh salmon is ideal when possible, frozen fillets work wonderfully in this recipe — making it a reliable option when plans change or time is short.
If you love salmon, you may also enjoy other fish recipes in my collection.
Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Salmon Recipe
- Works with either fresh or frozen salmon.
- Fast and easy to prepare.
- Perfect for quick dinners without standing at the stove.
- Packed with buttery, herb-forward flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Full ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below.
- Salmon: Frozen fillets are fine and convenient; they cook up tender and flaky. Use fresh if you prefer.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and dill are excellent here; dried oregano adds savory depth. Use fresh or dried based on what you have.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Pour the water into the Instant Pot insert. Spray the steam rack lightly with oil and place it in the pot. Arrange the salmon on the rack in a single layer if possible, skin-side down when present.
Step 2: Season the fillets with salt and pepper, sprinkle on the minced garlic, and scatter the herbs evenly across the top.
Step 3: Cut the butter into small pats and distribute them over the salmon so each piece has some butter on top.
Step 4: Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Choose the pressure-cook time based on whether the salmon is frozen or fresh (see recipe card). When the cycle finishes, perform a quick release, remove the salmon carefully, and finish with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Fresh or frozen: Both work well. If cooking frozen fillets, allow a minute or two more if you prefer the salmon fully cooked through.
- Doneness: For well-done salmon from frozen, try 6 minutes in the Instant Pot. Shorter times yield a more medium texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can freeze cooked salmon, but it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first few days.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Classic sides: steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or green beans) and white or brown rice.
- Salad: this salmon is excellent on a large salad — try spinach with mandarin segments or a spring green salad with croutons.
- Sauces: a yogurt-based or dill sauce pairs nicely if you enjoy a creamy accompaniment.
- Potatoes: Parmesan-crusted or creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side.
- Leftovers: Flaked salmon is great folded into a frittata or mixed into salads and bowls.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social for more recipes and updates.
Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb salmon, fresh or frozen (can be cut into fillets)
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Lemon for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 3/4 cup water into the pressure cooker insert and place a sprayed steam rack inside.
- Arrange salmon on the rack. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Cut butter into small pieces and spread across the fillets.
- Close and lock the lid, set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on manual: 5–6 minutes for frozen fillets, 3–4 minutes for fresh.
- When the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release. Carefully remove the salmon and serve with a squeeze of lemon if desired. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
Notes
- Either fresh or frozen salmon can be used.
- For fully cooked salmon from frozen, try 6 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1 g,
Protein: 34 g,
Fat: 19 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Shop this Post
Instant Pot
Silicone Handled Rack Trivet