Do you have an electric smoker and want to know how to smoke salmon in it? Smoking food is a great way to add flavor and depth of flavor, and smoking salmon is no exception. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to smoke salmon in an electric smoker so that you can create a delicious dish that your friends and family will love. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1 What You’ll Need: Equipment and Ingredients
- 2 Buying the best salmon
- 3 How to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
- 4 Brine for Smoked Salmon
- 5 Pro Tips for Smoking Salmon
- 6 Tricks smoke salmon in an electric smoker
- 7 Serving suggestions with a smoke salmon dish
- 8 Variations of this smoke salmon recipe
- 9 Conclusion: how to smoke salmon in an electric smoker
- 10 FAQ:
- 10.1 What is the best temperature to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
- 10.2 Can I reuse wood chips for smoking salmon?
- 10.3 How long does smoked salmon last?
- 10.4 What is the best wood to smoke salmon with?
- 10.5 How do I know when my salmon is done smoking?
- 10.6 What temperature should smoked salmon be?
- 10.7 How do I store smoked salmon?
- 10.8 What temperature do you smoke fish in an electric smoker?
- 10.9 Do you flip salmon when smoking it?
- 10.10 Do you wrap salmon in foil when smoking?
- 10.11 What can I use if I don’t have a smoker?
- 10.12 How long does it take to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
What You’ll Need: Equipment and Ingredients

- An electric smoker
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Your favorite salmon rub or marinade
- Hickory wood chips
Buying the best salmon
You can afford will result in a tastier smoked salmon. We recommend wild-caught Alaskan salmon for the best flavor.
If you’re using skin-on salmon, make sure to remove the pin bones before smoking. To do this, gently run your fingers along the flesh side of the fillet to feel for any small, sharp bones. If you find any, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove them.
Once the pin bones are removed, it’s time to prepare the salmon for smoking. If you’re using a rub or marinade, generously coat the flesh side of the fillet and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the fish.
If you’re not using a rub or marinade, simply season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Related: How long to bake salmon in the oven
How to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
How to smoke salmon in an electric smoker followed these steps:
1. Preheat your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We recommend preheating to between 200-225 degrees F.
2. Place your salmon fillets in the smoker, skin-side down if they are skin-on. If using a skinless fillet, place them flesh-side down.
3. Sprinkle your salmon rub or marinade generously over the top of the fillets.
4. Add wood chips to the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We recommend using hickory wood chips for a classic flavor.
5. Close the smoker and let the salmon cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. This will usually take between 1-2 hours, but cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
6. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Brine for Smoked Salmon
If you want to add even more flavor to your smoked salmon, you can brine it before cooking. To do this, simply combine 1 cup of salt with 1 gallon of water and submerge your salmon fillets in the mixture. Let them sit for 30 minutes, then remove and pat dry with paper towels. Proceed with the recipe as usual.
Smoked salmon is a great addition to any meal, and we hope this blog post has inspired you to try smoking salmon in your electric smoker. If you have any tips or tricks on how to smoke salmon, be sure to share them with us in the comments below. Happy smoking!
Pro Tips for Smoking Salmon
1. Always use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor.
2. If using a skin-on fillet, place it skin-side down in the smoker to prevent it from sticking.
3. Brining the salmon before smoking will add even more flavor and depth of flavor.
4. Hickory wood chips are a classic choice for smoking salmon, but you can experiment with other types of wood chips to find your favorite flavor.
5. Cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F for the best results. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
6. Let the salmon rest for 5-10 minutes after smoking before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the juices to redistribute. Enjoy!

Tricks smoke salmon in an electric smoker
If you want to add even more flavor to your salmon, try one of these tricks:
– Soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. This will help create more smoke and add a deeper flavor to your salmon.
– Add some fresh herbs to the wood chips before smoking. rosemary, sage, and thyme all go well with salmon.
– Make a glaze or sauce to brush on the salmon during the last few minutes of smoking. This will add a nice finishing touch to your dish.
– Try smoking other types of fish in your electric smoker. Trout, whitefish, and swordfish all smoke well and pair nicely with salmon.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post on how to smoke salmon in an electric smoker. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy smoking!
Serving suggestions with a smoke salmon dish
There are many delicious ways to enjoy smoked salmon. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
-Serve it over a bed of fresh greens with a lemon vinaigrette
-Make a smoked salmon pasta dish by tossing it with cooked pasta, olive oil, and fresh herbs
-Top a bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers
-Make a smoked salmon eggs Benedict by topping an English muffin with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce, and smoked salmon
-Wrap it in a tortilla with avocado, cream cheese, and diced onions for a delicious breakfast burrito
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, we hope you enjoy your smoked salmon!
Variations of this smoke salmon recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to change up this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
-Add different spices and herbs to your salmon rub or marinade for different flavor profiles.
-Try using a different type of wood chips for different flavors.
-experiment with the cooking time to get your desired level of smoke flavor. remember that the thicker your salmon fillets are, the longer they will need to cook.
-Try serving your smoked salmon with different sides and sauces. Some other delicious options include mashed potatoes, rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad.
Have fun and enjoy experimenting with this recipe!
Conclusion: how to smoke salmon in an electric smoker
How to smoke salmon in an electric smoker is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips and instructions in this blog post of chefwaynes-bigmamou.com, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your culinary skills. So fire up that smoker and get cooking!
FAQ:
What is the best temperature to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
To ensure that you smoke salmon correctly, keep your smoker temperature between 150-180 F. The lower the better! This will help maintain its moisture and avoid overcooking so it remains tender yet still has a great texture when cooked in an oven or pan frying method.
Can I reuse wood chips for smoking salmon?
Yes, you can reuse wood chips for smoking salmon. In fact, we recommend it! The key is to make sure that the wood chips are not wet or damp, as this will cause them to smoke less and produce less flavor.
How long does smoked salmon last?
Smoked salmon will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or bag to keep it fresh.
What is the best wood to smoke salmon with?
Hickory is a classic choice for smoking salmon, but you can experiment with other types of wood chips to find your favorite flavor. Try out different woods until you find the perfect taste for you.

How do I know when my salmon is done smoking?
When smoking salmon, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. This will usually take between 1-2 hours, but cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your salmon to ensure accuracy.
What temperature should smoked salmon be?
Smoked salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. However, many people prefer to eat it slightly less cooked, around 120-130 degrees F. This will give the salmon a softer texture and a more delicate flavor.
How do I store smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or bag to keep it fresh. If you plan on freezing your smoked salmon, we recommend slicing it into individual portions so you can thaw only what you need.
What temperature do you smoke fish in an electric smoker?
To ensure that you smoke salmon correctly, keep your smoker temperature between 150-180 F. The lower the better!
Do you flip salmon when smoking it?
If you are using a skin-on fillet, place it skin-side down in the smoker to prevent it from sticking. Otherwise, there is no need to flip the salmon during smoking.
Do you wrap salmon in foil when smoking?
No, you do not need to wrap salmon in foil when smoking. The key is to keep your smoker temperature low so that the salmon doesn’t dry out.
What can I use if I don’t have a smoker?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a regular oven set to the “smoke” setting, or you can use a stovetop smoker.
How long does it take to smoke salmon in an electric smoker?
Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, but we recommend smoking salmon for 1-2 hours.
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003