Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Fish Recipes!! (2024)

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Great pressure cooker fish recipes! When you’re looking for a healthy dinner prepared in no time at all in your Instant Pot, Crockpot Express or Ninja Foodi like this pressure cooker salmon recipe. There’s no need for an oven anymore!

Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Fish Recipes!! (1)

We love fish!! Any kind, I don’t think there is anything out of the ocean we don’t like. Yes, even my 3 girls beg for fish if we give them a choice of what to eat. Sushi is actually their favorite dinner! So, since we’ve created so many easy Instant Pot recipes it was only right to put together a collection of easy pressure cooker fish recipes for everyone to enjoy. (originally published 12/19, affiliate links present)

Well we love anything that swims, and every type we’ve tried using this method has come out tender, flaky, and moist as ever! When I first got my machine I wondered if it would be too much pressure and might dry it out. Not true. I am very particular when it comes to seafood in Instant Pot so you can believe me.

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Ninja Foodi Fish Recipes

Whether you are using an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, a Crockpot Express, or some other brand it really doesn’t matter. Most of these all use high pressure and all electric versions have that just the same. You can use a trivet or stackable pans like we will show you below too.

If you are new to pressure cooking we have a lot of easy one pot meal recipes for you here. To begin with let’s start with a few basic tips:

  • Make sure to Bookmark our InstaPot recipes page. We add new ones each week!
  • Then PRINT this —–> Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet that will help you understand how long meat, vegetables and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
    • This is a great InstaPot cookbook and a set of wooden utensils are great to grab too.
    • I HIGHLY recommend you buy this non stick pot.
      • You should still deglaze pressure cooker after sautéing but it won’t have as many issues with this better liner.

For reference, this is the pressure cooker I have (a 6 quart) and use for all recipe creations.

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How to cook fish in Instant Pot

Let’s start off with a helpful printable shall we? Years ago when there weren’t any recipes out there for this little machine I got to jotting things down. How long each food took to cook was key.

Then I wanted to keep it all handy so I came up with a few Instant Pot printables to keep on hand.

  • This fish Instant Pot cooking times chart will give you an idea on how long each variety takes to cook.

Instant Pot fish recipes

Like our Instant Pot salmon here. I started in the middle cooking it for 3 minutes on high pressure. It was a bit underdone for my liking so the next piece I put in for 4 minutes and it was perfect!

  • We got our salmon from ButcherBox (you can get free chicken for life here ). It’s a great way to have quality meats delivered right to your door too! Special thanks goes out to them for sending us this box so we could show you how we used their salmon in a pressure cooker!

If there is a sale on seafood I really go all out because we love fish of all kinds. Sometimes you will find shrimp and or crab on special and that makes me really excited because our Instant Pot crab boil is killer.

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Fish and Rice Instant Pot

Recently I forgot to defrost a few fillets so I threw them in my pressure cooker anyway. Guess what?? Our pieces of Instant Pot frozen salmon came out flaky and delicious with just 1 more minute of cook time!

  • That is a great tip to remember when you have a forgetful moment too.
  • Salmon is such a great food with Omega 3 that we all need. If you live in an area where fish is hard to come by this is a great option since it’s delivered to your door.

This is what the package we received. Freshly caught in Alaska and ready to cook right out of the bag if you use our directions above. 😉

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How long to cook fish in the Instant Pot

Timing will depend on the following factors:

  • The size of the fillet
    • of course a 1/2 lb. piece is going to cook quicker than a 3/4 lb. fillet
  • The thickness of the piece of fish you’ve chosen
    • if you buy an entire fillet like we did the middle section(s) are going to be thicker than the end pieces so they will take a minute or so longer to cook all the way through

If you add other ingredients like our Instant Pot shrimp boil the timing will change a bit too. Keep in mind there isn’t a huge variation and it is still really quick but alone vs. amongst other items adds a minute or two.

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Fish in Ninja Foodi

How long fish takes to cook in a pressure cooker doesn’t fluctuate a lot but can slightly depending on a few factors like;

  • How well done you like your fish
    • This is a biggie. My husband would prefer to barely have his fish seared on both sides and eat it just like that. I prefer it cooked thru but not overcooked where it begins to turn gray
  • The method in which you cook it
    • We are talking all about pressure cooker fish recipes here but I have cooked Instant Pot fish using enclosed stackable pans as well as on a trivet like you see here.
    • The latter (below) takes a fraction of the time to cook

How to Steam Fish in Ninja Foodi

Like I said before, you can use all the same instructions for an InstaPot or this brand of machine. We are talking about pressure cooking here but you can also air fry with this model if you like. Whether it’s fresh or frozen changes by about a minute. our Instant Pot tilapia was frozen but came out perfect using this method.

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Pressure cooker fish recipes

We will share a bunch of ideas below but if you want to make Instant Pot salmon you’ll need this:

  • Fillet – we used a 3/4 lb. piece, timing below is appropriate for that size
  • Squeeze of lemon juice – totally optional, a few lemon slices on top can be used
  • Butter or I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter we used on top – about 1 tbsp, olive oil could be used
  • Dill – fresh is best, feel free to use dried if that’s all you have
  • Salt and Pepper – or anything else you like to season fish with
  • Tinfoil – so you can make a foil “bowl” like we show you in the video, you can alternatively spray the trivet
  • Trivet – this one with handles attached is the best
  • All of these are great with a side of air fryer hush puppies ….. just sayin’

Great healthy Instant Pot recipes andpressure cooker side dishes to serve with your salmon or fish

  1. Instant Pot white rice
  2. Perfect quinoa in your pressure cooker
  3. Electric pressure cooker mashed potatoes

Salmon InstaPot

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Pressure Cook Fish From Frozen

Here are the simple steps to follow to get it to a perfectly flaky fillet of salmon you see here: We are going to assume you have defrosted your pieces beforehand. If not follow our directions for Instant Pot frozen salmon which are the same but adding 1 extra minute to your cook time.

  • Pour your water into the inner liner. You can add slices of lemon into it too if you’d like an added boost of that flavor and scent.
  • Place a trivet in the middle and your fillet(s) on top. Do not overlap your pieces.
  • Sprinkle any and all seasonings you’d like on top with a slice of lemon and I like a pat of butter as well. These options are up to you depending on the flavors you desire.
  • Close your lid and steam valve.
  • Set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
    • timing will vary slightly depending on how thick your pieces are and how “well done” you like your fish to be (it’s best to have it a bit underdone vs. overdone so it’s nice and flaky)
    • with the time it takes to reach pressure the total time will be about 15 minutes
  • Release the pressure once done, this is called a quick release.

Use a spatula to lift out. Sprinkle with additional seasonings if desired and enjoy immediately.

Instant Pot Salmon

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Instant Pot fish recipes

Our Instant Pot shrimp alfredo was a hit with the kids!

  • Instant Pot shrimp has instructions on how to cook pressure cooker frozen fish in it.
  • This flaky Instant Pot fish recipe shows you how to cook fish and vegetables together. Separately cooked but together in your pressure cooker.
  • Although canned fish this pressure cooker tuna casserole is amazing.

We used canned clams for this Instant Pot clam chowder as well but fresh could be used if you preferred.

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Want to try salmon in the air fryer too? Do it!! We have a bunch of air fryer fish recipes like air fryer catfish and more you can try here.

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Ninja Foodi Salmon

Instructions for cooking salmon in your pressure cooker is below. This method works great with just a cup of water!

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Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Fish Recipes!! (12)

Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Fish Recipes!! (13)

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5 from 2 votes

Pressure Cooker Salmon

Great pressure cooker fish recipes! When you’re looking for a healthy dinner prepared in no time at all in your Instant Pot. Like this Instant Pot salmon recipe. No need for an oven anymore.

Course Entree, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword fish, instant pot, pressure cooker, salmon

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes minutes

Total Time 9 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 293kcal

Author The Typical Mom

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb salmon filet
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 1 sprig dill fresh
  • 1 pinch salt optional
  • 1 tbsp butter we used I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
  • 1 pinch garlic salt

Instructions

  • Pour 1.5 c water into your pressure cooker and lower down a trivet.

  • Make a “boat” using foil (watch video in post for a demonstration) so butter doesn’t drip down into your inner pot. Put your piece of salmon on your foil “boat” skin side down.

  • Put a slice of lemon (optional) and tbsp. of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter on the top of your salmon filet. (you can alternatively squeeze the lemon on at the end, if you put lemon slice on now the salmon will not be cooked through as much under the lemon itself – personal preference, my husband likes it this way, I prefer a squeeze of lemon after it is done)

  • Sprinkle fresh pcs. of dill (or dried) on top as well as a pinch of salt, garlic salt, and pepper.

  • Close lid and steam valve and set to high pressure for 4 minutes (for 3/4 lb., 3 min. for smaller pieces or if you like it under done and quite pink). Do a quick release.

  • Lift out fish, use a spatula to remove from foil boat or trivet and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition Facts

Pressure Cooker Salmon

Amount Per Serving (3 oz)

Calories 293Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 108mg36%

Sodium 145mg6%

Potassium 833mg24%

Protein 33g66%

Vitamin A 245IU5%

Vitamin C 1.9mg2%

Calcium 20mg2%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Fish Recipes!! (2024)

FAQs

Is Instant Pot good for fish? ›

I love shellfish and sushi, but when it comes to fish fillets they were just never my thing. But since the Instant Pot plays the role of a steam oven very well, I figured I needed to expand my horizons to see if I could make some mild fillets so melt-in-your-mouth delicious, I'd be able to tolerate it. It worked.

What foods should not be cooked in an Instant Pot? ›

In fact, there are a handful of foods that just shouldn't be pressure-cooked. Among them are dairy and fried foods, as well as burgers and steaks.

Do Instant Pots release pressure while cooking? ›

The Instant Pot will begin to cool down and release pressure all on its own. Upon the completion of the cooking cycle you will hear the Instant Pot "beep" to signal it has completed the cooking cycle and it will automatically begin the Natural Pressure Release process.

What should never go in a pressure cooker? ›

Foods containing dairy, like milk, cream, or yogurt, should not be pressure-cooked. The high heat and pressure can cause dairy products to curdle or separate, ruining the texture, taste and flavour of the dish. Cooking fried foods is a strict no no, when it comes to pressure cookers.

Did Instapot fail? ›

Given Instant Pot's popularity, it was surprising to some when last week Instant Brands, the maker of Instant Pot — as well as other household brands including CorningWare, Snapware and Pyrex — announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is frequently referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy.

Can you put olive oil in a pressure cooker? ›

The very best feature is the ability to brown aromatics or meat before cooking. This feature gives the Instant Pot a huge advantage over a crock pot in building flavorful dishes! But is it safe to use olive oil in the Instant Pot? The answer is yes!

What is the most popular method of cooking fish? ›

Frying. Frying is probably the most popular method of cooking fish. Shallow frying: The fish should be seasoned and lightly coated with flour or crumb before frying to protect it and seal in the flavour. Use a mixture of oil and butter when frying and turn the fish only once during cooking, to avoid breaking up.

Why did my fish turn out rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

Do you cover fish when cooking? ›

Cut fish fillets into 4 serving pieces if needed. Place pieces, skin sides down, in the pan, folding thin ends under if necessary for even thickness. Mix remaining ingredients; drizzle over fish. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Why did my fish turn out mushy? ›

It's easy to accidentally overcook seafood, especially small shellfish—like shrimp and mussels—and thin fish fillets. The texture can also turn out mushy if it is too saturated with water.

Should fish sit out before cooking? ›

Let it Reach Room Temperature Before Cooking. When you add cold fish to a hot pan, it will cook unevenly. It is a good idea to let salmon sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not let it sit out for too long.

Is steaming a cooking method best used on fish? ›

Steaming. Small whole fish or fillets are good cooked in this way. Flavour can be added by using different cooking liquids but usually the fish is seasoned. Place it in a steamer, cover it tightly and cook over simmering water for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish or the fillets.

Do Instant Pots deep fry? ›

An Instant Pot will not get hot enough to deep-fry foods uncovered; as much as it can do, it isn't meant to function as a fryer. If you are looking to make classic breaded fried chicken, a Dutch oven or deep-fryer is best. However, you can use your Instant Pot for shallow “pan frying.”

Are plant pots safe for fish? ›

Most of the brown or black non-soft flower pots are likely to be safe so long as they are rinsed under tap water before use (a la normal aquarium plastic equipment). Where you would treat with severe caution are yellow flower pots, or rubbery or soft flower pots.

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