Slow Cooker Salmon

If you love cooking salmon as much as I do, then you need to try this Easy Slow Cooker Salmon Recipe. The salmon cooks perfectly tender, flaky and with the best flavor with a hands-off dinner.

Salmon makes the best seafood recipe and cooking it in the crockpot has quickly become my favorite way to make it. You can even use your slow cooker to make Crock Pot Shrimp Scampi Recipe and Crock pot Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Salmon 

• One Pot Recipe – Everything cooks easily in the slow cooker which means less mess.
• Healthy – Salmon is one of my favorite seafood recipes because is packed with healthy benefits.
• Meal Prep – If you are looking for an easy way to meal prep for the week with salmon, use your slow cooker.
• Customizable – Add your favorite seasoning and cook vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and asparagus right in the crockpot for an easy meal idea.

Ingredients

• Salmon – We like cooking skin-on salmon fillets 
• Lemons – Adds amazing flavor to the salmon
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil
• Sweet Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out
• Chili Powder – See The Best Chili Powder Substitute if you are out
• Garlic Powder – You can also use mince garlic cloves
• Italian Seasoning – See The Best Italian Seasoning Substitute
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth – If you are out, see Chicken broth substitutes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Salmon in the Slow Cooker

Step 1 – Slice one of the lemons and place them in the bottom of a slow cooker (6 quarts or larger). 

Step 2 – Place the salmon fillets into the slow cooker on top of the lemon slices, skin side down. 

Step 3 – Drizzle the olive oil on top of the salmon and brush it all over the top of the salmon with a basting brush. 

Step 4 – In a small mixing bowl, stir together the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt and pepper.  Sprinkle it on top of the salmon and rub it around evenly with the basting brush. 

Step 5 – Pour the broth into the crock pot around the salmon (do not pour over the salmon or it will remove the seasonings from the salmon fillets). 

Step 6 – Cover with lid and slow cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2 hours until the salmon filet is cooked through (internal temperature of 145 degrees F) and flakes easily with a fork. 

• Step 7 – Remove the salmon from the liquid in the crock pot. Serve with the remaining lemon juiced over the top and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Cooking Time – Each crock pot cooks a bit differently, I recommend using an instant read meat thermometer to confirm that the salmon is cooked through to a safe internal temperature before removing it from the crock pot. 
• Seasoning Salmon – Make sure to coat the salmon completely for the best flavor.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic Butter – Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mixed with ½ tablespoon of minced garlic and chopped parsley for a delicious addition
• Honey Soy Glaze – For a delicious variation, mix together 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of honey or brown sugar and 1 tsp of ginger. Add this mixture to the salmon for amazing flavor.
• Lemon Dill – I love the combination of lemon zest, lemon juice and fresh dill to add to the salmon. Mix with dry white wine for even more flavor.
• Spicy – If you prefer a hint of spice, rub 1 tsp of cajun seasoning right before cooking.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Salmon

These side dishes go perfectly with salmon filets.

• Instant pot White Rice Recipe
• Lemon Rice
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Steamed Asparagus Recipe
• Best Mashed Potatoes
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. 
• Freezer – Freeze the leftovers in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months then thaw in the fridge when ready to serve.
• Reheating – Heat in a skillet over low heat or it is even delicious served cold on top of your favorite salad.