How to Reheat Salmon?

If you’ve ever had leftovers from dinner, you’ve probably wondered about how to reheat salmon. From the stovetop to the oven, this post dives into 6 different options, so you can find the best method for you. You’ll definitely want to make all the salmon recipes, if only for the delicious leftovers!

Can you reheat salmon?

Yes, you can reheat salmon. The best ways include an air fryer, grill, microwave, stovetop, or steaming, all at relatively low heat. Salmon is a very delicate fish, so it’s sensitive to drying out quickly. Reheating salmon on high heat can harden and dry it out. These simple methods warm your salmon back up while still maintaining its tender and flaky texture.

How to reheat salmon in the oven?

Reheating salmon in the oven is a smart option, even though it takes the longest. Cooking low and slow will lock in the extra moisture in the already cooked salmon. Follow these steps:

Prep Time:	5 minutes
Temperature:	300°F
Cooking Time:	15 minutes
Total Time:	20 minutes

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
3. Place salmon on baking sheet.
4. Loosely cover salmon with more aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
6. Remove and let rest before serving.

Pro Tip: Create a heating foil packet to prevent the salmon from drying out. You can place a piece of parchment paper inside if you’re worried about the salmon touching the foil. This method not only works great in the oven, but also in the air fryer and on the grill!

How to reheat salmon in an air fryer?

Since an air fryer acts more like a toaster oven than a full oven, reheating your salmon this way will be a lot quicker. This method uses medium heat instead of low heat, and will get the job done when you’re in a rush.

Prep Time:	2 minutes
Temperature:	350°F
Cooking Time:	5 minutes
Total Time:	7 minutes

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. Spray down the inside of air fryer basket. Alternatively, line with aluminum foil.
3. Place salmon inside, cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Check internal temperature of the salmon using a meat thermometer (you want at least 145°F) and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Place the salmon in the air fryer while it’s preheating for a nice, even cook.

How to reheat salmon on the grill?

If you want to taste a smoky flavor, reheating your salmon on the grill is your best bet. This method takes a bit more effort to prepare the grill, but it’s worth it on a lazy Friday night!

Prep Time:	15 minutes
Temperature:	Medium
Cooking Time:	6 minutes
Total Time:	21 minutes

1. Prepare your grill to a medium heat.
2. Lightly oil grill grates.
3. Place salmon on grill in a foil packet.
4. Cook 3 minutes on each side.

Pro Tip: Using a spatula instead of tongs to flip your salmon in a foil packet reduces the chance of it flaking apart.

How to reheat salmon in the microwave?

Using a microwave to reheat salmon is one of the more popular options since it doesn’t take much time or effort. Be careful with this method or else you’ll end up with dry leftovers.

Prep Time:	1 minute
Temperature:	Medium – High
Cooking Time:	1 minute
Total Time:	2 minutes

1. Place salmon on microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel.
3. Microwave for 30 seconds, then flip.
4. Microwave for another 30 seconds.

Pro Tip: Squeeze some lemon juice over your fish before microwaving to give flavor AND moisture.

How to reheat salmon on the stovetop?

The stovetop is an excellent way of reheating your leftover salmon fillets. This method requires olive oil or melted butter which will give your fish extra flavor and ensures it stays moist.

Prep Time:	4 minutes
Temperature:	Medium
Cooking Time:	5 minutes
Total Time:	9-10 minutes

1. Heat up a skillet on medium heat.
2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
3. Once the olive oil or butter shimmers, add the salmon to the skillet.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes flipping only once.

Pro Tip: Spice it up with different types of oils or butters to update the flavor of your salmon on leftover day.

How to reheat salmon by steaming?

You can also reheat your salmon on the stovetop by steaming it. This method keeps the fish’s moisture locked in. If you have some type of steamer basket, it’ll make the whole process faster and easier.

Prep Time:	5-8 minutes
Cooking Time:	5 minutes
Total Time:	13-15 minutes

1. Fill a pot with a little less than an inch of water and bring to a boil.
2. Place salmon in a smaller pot. Alternatively, place it in a steamer basket.
3. Place the pot with salmon inside the boiling water pot.
4. Cover with a lid and let the fish cook for 4-5 minutes.

Pro Tip: If your salmon is in a sauce or marinade, this method is not the best way because your salmon will lose that flavor. 

The Best Way to Reheat Salmon

The best method to reheat salmon is to lock in moisture at a low temperature. That might look different depending on the person, so factor in the amount of time you have and how much effort you want to put in.

How to Store Leftover Salmon

There are a few different ways to store leftover salmon depending on when you’re going to use it next. If you know you’re going to eat it the following day, keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. 

But if you’re not going to eat it within 3 days of putting it in your fridge, freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap your salmon in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-friendly container or bag. When you’re ready to eat it, let the salmon thaw in the fridge first before warming it back up. 

(Defrosting salmon on your countertop at room temperature is dangerous because it can reach the “danger zone” temperatures (40°F – 140°F) that makes your fish unsafe to eat.)

TIP & SAFETY PRECAUTION: The internal temperature of a safely cooked salmon needs to be at least 145°F.

Salmon FAQ

The Best Salmon Recipes

• Panko-Crusted Salmon
• Salmon Piccata
• Air Fryer Salmon

• Salmon Burgers
• Teriyaki Salmon
• Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon in Foil

• Blackened Salmon Recipe
• 5-Minute Smoked Salmon Dip
• Salmon Curry with Coconut Milk

• Lemon & Dill Salmon
• Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon