Salmon is one of the most popular fish to cook at home. Its rich, fatty texture makes it perfect for everything from baking and grilling to poaching and pan frying. However, like many foods, leftovers are common. The question is – can you safely reheat cooked salmon without drying it out or compromising on flavor and texture?
The good news is yes, you absolutely can reheat cooked salmon fillets or steaks. With a little care and the right technique, reheated salmon can taste nearly as delicious as when it was first cooked.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating salmon, including:
- How to store leftover salmon correctly
- The best methods for reheating salmon
- Tips to keep salmon moist and flavorful
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Frequently asked questions about reheating salmon
Storing Leftover Salmon
The first step for delicious leftover salmon is proper storage. Here are some tips:
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Refrigerate cooked salmon within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving it out too long increases the risk of bacteria growth.
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Store salmon in an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn or absorption of fridge odors.
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Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and quality.
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Freeze for longer term storage Salmon keeps well frozen for 2-3 months, Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Proper storage sets you up for success when you’re ready to reheat your leftover salmon!
The Best Ways to Reheat Salmon
Not all reheating methods are equal when it comes to salmon. The keys are using gentle, indirect heat and keeping moisture locked in
Here are the best ways to reheat salmon:
1. Air Fryer
Air frying is hands-down the best way to reheat salmon. The circulating hot air gently warms the fish in minutes while keeping the outside crispy.
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
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Rub salmon fillet with oil or cooking spray.
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Air fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
2. Oven
The oven is ideal for reheating a whole salmon fillet or steak. The low, indirect heat prevents overcooking.
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Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
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Place salmon on a baking sheet. Optionally, wrap in foil or parchment paper to retain moisture.
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Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
3. Skillet
You can also reheat salmon in a skillet or sauté pan on the stovetop. Use low heat and keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
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Heat oil or butter on low.
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Place salmon fillet in pan. Cook gently 2-4 minutes per side.
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Optionally add sauce or glaze to coat salmon while reheating.
4. Microwave
The microwave can steam salmon, but the texture often suffers. Use lower power and short cooking times.
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Wrap salmon in damp paper towel.
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Microwave on 50% power in 30 second bursts.
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Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
While microwaving won’t give you the best results, it’s a quick option in a pinch!
Tips for Reheating Salmon Like a Pro
Follow these tips for reheating salmon like a professional chef:
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Add moisture – Brush, drizzle, or spray salmon with oil, butter, or water before reheating. This prevents the fish from drying out.
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Use indirect heat – Direct high heat overcooks salmon. Opt for gentler methods like the oven or air fryer.
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Preheat – Give your oven, air fryer, or pan time to preheat before adding fish. This shortens the reheating time.
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Rest before serving – Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after reheating so the moisture redistributes evenly.
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Don’t overcook initially – Salmon overcooked the first time around won’t reheat well. Cook it perfectly the first time.
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Flake thicker fish – For reheating very thick salmon steaks or fillets, consider flaking into large chunks to allow thorough, even heating.
Follow these simple rules, and your leftover salmon will taste fabulous!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s also helpful to know what NOT to do when reheating salmon:
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Microwaving too long – The microwave’s intense heat makes salmon dry and rubbery in seconds. Use 30-second bursts on defrost/low.
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Direct grill or broil – The dry high heat from direct grilling or broiling overcooks the exterior before the inside warms. Opt for indirect heat instead.
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Pan frying without oil – Salmon fillets can stick and fall apart without enough oil or butter in the pan. Don’t skimp on the cooking fat.
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High oven temp – Just like grilling, too-hot oven temps overcook and dry out salmon. Stay below 350°F (180°C).
Avoid these common pitfalls, and your leftover salmon will come out tender and moist each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about reheating salmon:
How many times can you reheat cooked salmon?
It’s best to only reheat cooked salmon once. Multiple reheats increase the risk of drying out the fish or bacteria growth.
Can you eat cold leftover salmon?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked salmon is safe to eat cold. The texture may be firmer, but the flavor is still delicious.
Is reheated salmon safe during pregnancy?
Yes, reheated salmon is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is heated thoroughly to 165°F/75°C. This eliminates any foodborne illness risk.
How can you tell if reheated salmon has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled reheated salmon include an unpleasant fishy or ammonia-like odor, slimy texture, or discoloration around the edges. If in doubt, throw it out.
What temperature should reheated salmon reach?
Cook reheated salmon to an internal temperature of at least 145°F/65°C to eliminate food safety risks. Use a food thermometer to check it’s hot enough.
Enjoy Your Leftover Salmon
With proper storage, gentle reheating methods, and a few simple tricks, you can enjoy leftover salmon that tastes as delicious as the freshly cooked version. Air frying, oven warming, or pan searing are all great options for keeping that salmon flavorful and moist.
Avoid common mistakes like overcooking, insufficient oil, and microwave overuse. Pay attention to food safety guidelines as well. Follow this advice for salmon you’ll savor again and again.