TheGrillingDad Answer: Grilling salmon on a pellet grill is a piece of cake! Simply turn the grill on to 350°F, prepare the salmon, and put it on foil on the pellet grill for 15 minutes. The salmon will be medium to medium-well.
It’s no secret that we love our pellet grill here at TheGrillingDad.com. But many people are hesitant to buy one because they think it can only be used for smoking large cuts of meat.
This is far from the truth, and a pellet grill can be used for regular grilling, searing, smoking, and even baking!
So if you’re looking to make some delicious salmon in just 15 minutes, read on!
Jump to Section
Preparing Salmon for the Pellet Grill
In our house, we like to keep salmon simple. When we prepared it for the pellet grill will simply score each piece about 3x, and top it with lemon juice, a little butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Then just place the two pieces on a piece of doubled foil–this will keep the salmon from falling apart. If you are more confident in your salmon flipping abilities, then you can try cooking it directly on your grill grate.
Ingredients for Salmon in a Pellet Grill
- Fresh salmon cut into serving-size pieces
- 1 lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Aluminum foil
- Wood pellets–we used cherry for our recipe, but lemon could also work well!
How to Make Salmon in a Pellet Grill
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your pellet grill to 350°F. While it’s preheating, dress the salmon as directed above.
Step 2: Put the Salmon on the Grill
Put the salmon on aluminum foil on the grill and close the lid. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Check the Salmon
Check on the salmon using a thermometer, or slice a corner. After 15 minutes the salmon should be medium or medium well. For well-done salmon, wait 3-5 more minutes.
Step 4: Remove and Enjoy
And just like that your salmon is done! Remove it from the pellet grill using tongs and place it on your dish and enjoy!
As you can see, making salmon on a pellet grill is incredibly easy–giving you a great but impressive dish to enjoy on those days when you don’t have time for a long smoke session.
Salmon Temperature Guide
Salmon | Temperature | Recommended? |
Rare | Less than 120°F | Not recommended |
Medium Rare | 125°-130°F | Not recommended for everyone |
Medium | 135°F-140°F | Absolutely recommended! |
Medium Well-Well Done | 145°+ | Not recommended–the salmon will be a bit dry! |
Do You Have to Brine Salmon Before Putting It on a Pellet Grill?
There is no brine or pre-prep required for our salmon recipe. It is quick and easy for any occasion.
Is it Safe to Eat Undercooked Grilled Salmon?
Salmon which has been purchased for the purpose of grilling should not be eaten raw. That’s because it doesn’t go through the same curing process as sushi salmon or smoked salmon which makes it safe to eat raw.
Instead, you should cook salmon to at least medium or 135°F. While this doesn’t kill all bacteria like well-done salmon will, we think it creates a good balance of low risk (most bacteria are dead by now) while still allowing you to have fresh and moist salmon.
If you are pregnant or a guest coming to your BBQ is, note that it is recommended to only consume well-done salmon.
How Long Should You Cook Salmon on a Pellet Grill?
With a Pit Boss pellet grill set to 350°F your salmon should only take 15-20 minutes to cook. If you are using a lower temperature, however, it will take longer. Always use a temperature probe to check your salmon before removing it from the grill.
What Are the Best Wood Pellets for Grilling Salmon
We used cherry for our recipe, but lemon or cedar would also work well. Just stay away from the really strong woods like hickory and mesquite as they may overpower the flavor of the fish.
Is Cooking Your Salmon on a Pellet Grill Considered Smoking Salmon?
No, searing your salmon on a pellet grill is much different than smoking salmon. Smoking salmon often requires a brine as well as a cook time of longer than an hour. Simply grilling salmon on your pellet grill only takes 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Grilling Salmon on a Pellet Grill
- Placing foil beneath the salmon keeps it from falling apart and makes it easy to remove from the grill (it also keeps the grill cleaner).
- Always check your salmon with a temperature probe before removing it from the grill.
- Feel free to experiment with the spices you put on before grilling your salmon. Additionally, leave off anything you want if it doesn’t suit your tastes.
- Keep the lid closed–we know it is tempting but this is the only way to ensure the salmon cooks evenly!
What to Serve With Pellet Grill Salmon
In our house, we always serve pellet grilled salmon with a vegetable, like asparagus or green beans, and a starch. For a higher-end dinner, this starch could be a baked potato, or if it’s more casual, french fries or potato salad is delicious as well!