Slow Cooker Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Using the crockpot to make this slow cooker salmon with lemon and dill has become one of my new favorite ways to cook salmon. It’s truly foolproof, you never have to risk overcooking the fish again! By cooking it low and slow, it’s almost like poaching the filets, which makes them buttery and melt-in-your-mouth.

Pair this slow cooker salmon with almost any side dish. Baked potatoes or simply roasted vegetables are some of our favorites. With just 10 ingredients, it’s truly a gourmet recipe without any involved cooking! My kids never liked salmon much prior to this slow cooker method, and now they request it for dinner almost once a month!

Slow cooker lemon slices with dill on a white platter with greens on either side. — 📸 Photography by **Naomi Seiler**

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Never overcook salmon again! This slow cooker method is seriously the easiest way to cook fish. It’s as simple as can be with only 10 minutes to prep before the crockpot does the work for you.
Quick dinner on a busy weeknight. Just set it and forget it, and in 2 hours you will have a delicious, gourmet meal ready to serve.
Customize with your favorite flavors. We use lemon and dill, but you can easily try other citrus, herbs, and even sauces like teriyaki or apricot jam.

Tips for Busy Cooks

This is an elevated recipe that takes minimal ingredients as well as prep. I like to keep these items in my fridge at all times and even salmon in the freezer. This way I can defrost the salmon the night before and have dinner ready to go in a matter of minutes!

Key Ingredient Notes

Salmon filets – Look for filets that are equal in size, about 6 ounces each, so they cook at the same rate.
Butter – Cooking fat for the fish that adds so much flavor. You can also use olive oil.
Garlic – Freshly minced is best to infuse each bite with gourmet flavors.
Lemon – We use both the zest and the juice to add brightness to every bite.
Low-sodium chicken broth – The liquid that poaches the salmon in the slow cooker. You can also use dry white wine if you want an even more elevated taste.
Dijon mustard – This is optional, but gives tang and more brightness to elevate all of the flavors.
Honey adds a hint of sweetness that balances the acidic ingredients. It’s optional, but we highly recommend!
Fresh dill – A fresh herb really takes any dish to a restaurant-quality level. The dill adds so much light and bright flavor plus pairs with the lemon perfectly.

How to make slow cooker salmon

A piece of parchment paper is in the bottom of a black slow cooker bowl with four salmon filets on top.

Tear off a piece of parchment paper long enough to cover the bottom of the long side of the crockpot.

Season both sides of the salmon filets lightly with salt and black pepper, then arrange them near each other on the parchment paper and carefully lower the salmon on the parchment paper into the crockpot (the parchment acting as a sling). Fold the excess paper edges so the salmon is exposed and not covered.

A glass measuring cup with melted butter and a gold whisk on the side.

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, broth, Dijon mustard (if using), and honey.

A black slow cooker bowl with parchment paper and four salmon fillets with lemon butter on top.

Pour this mixture evenly over the salmon.

Lemon slices and fresh dill is on top of the salmon filets. A piece of parchment paper is surrounding the filets in the black slow cooker bowl.

Layer lemon slices and fresh dill over the filets. Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking; the fish will continue to cook slightly after removing from the heat.

Slowly lift the salmon out of the crockpot, tilting slightly to let the juices drain off of the parchment paper and transfer to a serving platter.

Garnish with extra fresh dill and fresh slices of lemon before serving.

Slow cooker salmon is cooked in a black crockpot bowl.

Expert Tips:

Line the slow cooker with parchment for easy clean up. This makes cleaning about 5 minutes total after serving, which is a true game changer on a hectic weeknight!
Use fresh garlic. It makes a big difference to use a garlic press for the fresh garlic rather than buying it pre-minced.
Look for salmon fillets that are a similar size. This helps them to cook at an even rate.
Always use fresh lemons too. Don’t use the pre-bottled lemon juice, it will muddy the flavors.
Try a different herb. If you aren’t a fan of dill, you can also use thyme, rosemary, or chives.
Buy salmon with the skin-on! This helps it stay together as it cooks so it doesn’t fall apart. It’s easy to remove once the salmon is cooked.

What to serve with slow cooker salmon

The options are endless as to what to serve alongside this crockpot salmon with lemon and dill. It’s so easy to add a simple side dish to complete the meal and elevate the flavors. Here are some of our favorite options:

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until just warmed through.

We don’t recommend freezing this cooked salmon as the texture may change once it thaws. It’s easy to make this ahead of time since the slow cooker takes about 2 hours to cook the fish through fully.

A close up image of a fork taking a piece of slow cooker salmon off the filet. A lemon slice is on top of the filet with greens on the side.

FAQs

Can I cook salmon in a slow cooker?

Yes, it actually cooks the fish perfectly. With about 2 hours, it’s buttery and moist with every bite.

How long do you cook salmon in the slow cooker for?

It will be done in 1 to 2 hours and will vary based on your slow cooker as well as the thickness of your salmon filets.

What pairs best with crockpot salmon?

Any sides work well, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, even a simple salad is perfect!