Salmon is one of the most delicious and nutrient-dense fish you can eat. Because it’s high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon that has already been cooked is often kept in the fridge. However, reheating salmon can be tricky business. If you use the wrong method, the fish will often be dry, overcooked, and have a bad texture.
The toaster oven is actually one of the best appliances for reheating leftover salmon. With the right temperature and techniques you can restore your salmon to nearly original quality. Follow this simple guide for reheating salmon in the toaster oven to juicy, flaky perfection.
Benefits of Using a Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens have several advantages when reheating salmon compared to the microwave traditional oven, or stovetop
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Small size allows food to heat faster than a large oven.
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Lower temp prevents overcooking that dries out the fish
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Direct top heating helps restore slight crispiness to the top.
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Compact space contains smells compared to an open stovetop.
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No rotating trays like a microwave means more even heating.
For quick reheating of salmon that keeps its best moisture and texture, the toaster oven is the best choice.
Preheat at 300°F
The ideal temperature for reheating salmon in a toaster oven is around 300°F. This relatively low temperature prevents the delicate fish from drying out or becoming tough. Yet it’s still hot enough to thoroughly warm the salmon to safe eating temperatures.
Preheating first allows the oven to fully reach the set temperature before cooking. Place the rack in the center position before preheating for a few minutes.
Higher temperatures above 350°F can quickly overcook the fish, so stay in the 275-325°F range. Lower than 275°F may not fully penetrate thicker cuts.
Use Aluminum Foil
To prevent the outer edges of the salmon from becoming overly dried as it reheats, cover the fish loosely with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and ensure even, gentle heating.
Tuck the edges of the foil under the salmon slightly to envelope the fish. You want the foil to sit loosely on top, not pressed tightly against the surface.
Parchment paper can also be used instead of foil to cover the salmon.
Warm for 8-12 Minutes
The thickness of the salmon fillet will determine the reheating time. Thinner tail pieces may only need 8-10 minutes, while a thick salmon steak may require closer to 12 minutes.
Check for doneness after 8 minutes. The salmon should reach an internal temperature between 135-145°F. Use a meat thermometer to test the thickest portion.
If not fully hot, continue reheating but check frequently as salmon overcooks quickly. Once heated through, remove immediately to avoid drying out.
Use a Baking Sheet
Placing the salmon on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish allows heat to circulate completely around the fish for even reheating. The hot air wraps around all sides, not just the bottom.
A wire rack set on the baking sheet is even better, as air can flow above and below.
Optional Crisping
If you want to restore a slight crisp exterior to baked salmon, remove the foil for the last 1-2 minutes so the direct top heat from the toaster oven can crisp the top slightly.
Keep a close eye on it during this stage to avoid going too far. You just want a light second of crisping.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Once reheated, let the salmon rest at room temperature for 2-5 minutes before serving. The residual heat will finish cooking the center without risk of overdrying the outer portions.
This resting time allows the moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the salmon for a juicier texture.
Don’t Refrigerate Again
Avoid the temptation to stick the leftover salmon back in the fridge after reheating. Refrigerating again runs the risk of condensation forming which makes the fish soggy.
Only reheat the portion size needed. Discard any remaining reheated salmon.
Toaster Oven Tips
Follow these tips for the best results:
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Pat salmon dry before reheating to prevent steaming.
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Use aluminum foil or parchment paper to cover.
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Preheat at 300°F to prevent drying out.
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Reheat for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness.
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Check often to avoid overcooking.
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Let rest 2-5 minutes before serving.
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Do not refrigerate again after reheating.
Avoid Microwave Reheating
It can be tempting to use the quick microwave method, but this often yields poor results. The intense heat and uneven cooking cause moisture loss, rubbery texture, and that dreaded “fishy” odor. Stick to the gentler, more controlled toaster oven for far tastier salmon.
Sample Recipe
To see the toaster oven reheating method in action, check out this simple tutorial:
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Take your leftover salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Place on a small baking sheet.
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Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F. Allow it to fully preheat.
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Cover the salmon loosely with aluminum foil, tucking the edges underneath.
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Place the baking sheet with salmon in the center of the toaster oven. Reheat for 10-12 minutes.
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Check the thickest part of the salmon using a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 140°F internally.
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Remove once fully heated through and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your just-like-new leftover salmon!
More Delicious Ways to Enjoy
Reviving refrigerated salmon in the toaster oven lets you enjoy it in many ways:
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Flake onto a salad, pasta, or rice bowl.
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Place in between bread or a bagel for an easy salmon sandwich.
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Top with salsa, avocado, or hummus for a protein-packed snack.
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Break into chunks to make salmon hash or salmon cakes.
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Shred and combine with mayo, onion, celery for salmon salad.
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Mix with eggs, spices, binder for delicious salmon patties or croquettes.
With the toaster oven reheating tricks above, your leftover salmon goes from dried out to delicious in minutes. Rescue those remnants to enjoy tasty salmon meals and snacks all week long.
Always cover the fish
When you reheat your fish in the oven, cover it loosely with foil to keep the edges from drying out and to protect yourself from fish smells. This will also help keep your fish from drying out in the middle before it gets warm all the way through.
Too high a temperature creates dry, overcooked fish
One common, and one of the biggest, mistakes when reheating fish is blasting it with too high heat. Overcooked, dry fish—like salmon—is not exactly a tasty, pleasant experience. It is always best to reheat very slowly at a low temperature. If you cook the fish slowly, you’ll keep as much of its tenderness and moisture as possible, losing much less than if you cooked it quickly.
It’s easy, it’s convenient, it’s quick and one button away from reheating your food. And it will dry out and overcook your fish. Unfortunately, your microwave won’t help in reserving the wonderful flavor of last night’s fillet. Microwaves use too much heat, which dries out fish too quickly and gives it an unpleasant smell because its fatty acids are oxidized. For example, when someone heats up seafood in the company microwave and the room smells like fish all day, an oven would keep that smell inside better. Also, reheating fish slowly and at low temperatures will help get rid of strong fishy smells.
How to Reheat Salmon in the Oven and 5 Other Excellent Methods You Can Try!
FAQ
What is the best way to reheat cooked salmon?
How to reheat fish without drying it out?
What temperature to reheat fish in the oven?
Can You reheat salmon in a toaster?
Add Moisture While the toaster will be so much gentler with your salmon than the microwave, any type of reheating reduces moisture, which might dry out the fish. There are a few options you could go with to keep this from happening: grab a pan and add a splash of water to it for the salmon to sit on, or squeeze some lemon over the top of your fish.
Is honey baked salmon good for Weight loss?
Salmon is a source of omega-fatty acids. It is good for brain function and preventing heart disease. However, When considering weight loss, there is a simple equation we have to take into account. We consume energy as we boost energy. Losing weight needs a reduced consumption of energy or extra physical activity. Honey-baked salmon by itself does not affect our metabolism in losing weight.
How do you keep salmon from burning in a toaster oven?
Before popping it in the toaster oven, grab a piece of tin foil and loosely cover up the salmon. This will lock the moisture inside and keep the fish from burning—because the only thing worse than stinky fish is burned fish. 5. Et voilà!
Can you eat salmon in a toaster oven?
If a toaster oven is a no-go, salmon is also great cold and can be featured in a number of ways as-is, like in a salmon BLT, a bowl with farro and black beans or a salad with fennel and couscous. Enjoy your extremely un-sad desk lunch.