Slow Cooker Salmon

Jul 05, 2023Updated Jun 16, 2025

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This Slow Cooker Salmon comes together with simple ingredients and plenty of lemon flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that pairs well with just about anything.

We often wrap salmon in foil and cook on the BBQ grill. This slow cooker method achieves the same goal of steaming the fish in savory flavors, resulting in a very moist piece of fish.

Key Ingredients

Salmon fillet: Go with a generous cut and leave the skin on—this helps hold everything together as it cooks.

Lemon: Juicing one and slicing another gives the dish both brightness and aroma.

Butter & white wine: These create a light, flavorful poaching liquid that keeps the salmon moist.

Garlic, salt & pepper: Just a few basics go a long way to season the fish without overpowering it.

Fresh dill: A classic finishing touch that pairs perfectly with lemon and salmon.

lemons and butter in the bottom of a white slow cooker.

How to make Slow Cooker Salmon

Line your slow cooker and layer in the aromatics.
Place the salmon on top and season it well.
Add the liquid and butter, then cover with lemon slices.
Cook on low until the salmon is tender and flakes easily.

cooked salmon with lemons in a slow cooker.

Sarah’s Tips & Variations

Be sure that your salmon is thawed before using this recipe.
Dried dill can be used in place of fresh dill. If you don’t have dill, you can use oregano.
No wine? You can use seafood stock, chicken broth, or even water with a splash of lemon juice.
Add vegetables like asparagus, sliced zucchini, or green beans during the last 30–45 minutes for a one-pot meal.
Lemon pepper seasoning can be used instead of fresh lemons.

What to Serve with Salmon

My favorite way to serve salmon is with rice pilaf! Of course, you can do plain white or brown rice.
The salmon can be served over pasta (such as egg noodles).
Serve with a green salad, or steamed vegetable.
Another great side is baby potatoes or mashed potatoes. Consider pairing your salmon with my Honey Garlic Carrots and Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Plate of salmon and rice in front of a slow cooker.

Featured Comment

“I made it today!! Delicious!!!”
– patricia

2 More Reviews

Slow Cooker Salmon Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 2 10

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

This quick and easy meal is made with a large salmon filet, popular seasonings, lemon slices, and white wine for a delicious dish everyone is sure to enjoy.

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Equipment

Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger-oval

Ingredients

▢ 2 lbs. salmon fillet, skin on
▢ 1 lemon, one juiced, one cut into rounds
▢ 3 garlic cloves, peeled
▢ ½ tsp. kosher salt
▢ ½ tsp. black pepper
▢ ½ cup white wine, Pinot Grigio
▢ 1 lemon, (juiced)
▢ ½ cup salted butter, (one stick) cut into pieces
▢ fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions

Line the slow cooker pot with a large piece of parchment paper. Layer half of the lemon rounds to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the 3 cloves of garlic, lay the salmon filet over top.
Season the salmon filet with salt and pepper. Pour in the wine and lemon juice, top with the other half of the lemon rounds and butter pieces.
Cook on LOW for 2 hours or until flaky and opaque. USDA recommends cooking salmon to 145° degrees Fahrienheit. Garnish with the fresh dill and serve. Enjoy!