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Pressure Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon

pressure cooker lemon garlic salmon - featured image

This easy 20-minute pressure cooker salmon recipe features flaky fillets infused with bright lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a quick, healthy dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium lemon, sliced (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or substitute with tarragon or basil)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Optional: extra lemon wedges, extra chopped herbs, cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.
  3. Brush the marinade onto the salmon fillets, coating evenly. Lay a few lemon slices on top of each fillet. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Pour 1/2 cup water or broth into the pressure cooker pot. Place the trivet or steamer rack inside.
  5. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the trivet, skin-side down if using skin-on. Layer any remaining lemon slices around the fillets.
  6. Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 4 minutes (5 minutes for fillets thicker than 1 inch).
  7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  8. Check for doneness: salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If needed, reseal and cook for 1 more minute.
  9. Immediately sprinkle dill and parsley over the hot salmon.
  10. Lift the salmon gently with silicone tongs. Plate with extra lemon wedges and a dusting of cracked black pepper.

Notes

Use thick fillets for best texture. Always add fresh herbs after cooking for brightness. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating. For extra flavor, double the marinade and drizzle over sides. Natural pressure release is key for tender salmon. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pressure cooker salmon, lemon garlic salmon, instant pot salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, weeknight meal