Need to get a cheesecake, meatloaf, cake, or other pan safely in and out of your pressure cooker? An Instant Pot sling is one of the easiest kitchen hacks you can make. All you need is a long piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and about two minutes.
A foil sling sits underneath your cooking pan and creates two sturdy handles, making it much easier to lower the pan into the Instant Pot and lift it back out after cooking. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo, but this simple method can be adjusted to fit the pressure cooker and pan you’re using.
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Quick Answer: How Do You Make an Instant Pot Sling?
Fold a 20- to 24-inch-long sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil lengthwise several times until you have a sturdy strip about 2 inches wide. Center your pan on the middle of the foil strip, use the ends as handles to lower the pan onto the Instant Pot trivet, then fold the foil handles inward before closing the lid. After cooking and releasing the pressure, use oven mitts to lift the pan out by the foil handles.
That’s it. No special tool required.
What Is an Instant Pot Sling?
An Instant Pot sling is a sturdy strip of folded aluminum foil placed underneath a pan or dish before it goes into the pressure cooker. The ends of the foil extend upward to create handles that make it easier to lower and lift the pan without tipping, spilling, or trying to squeeze your fingers around a hot dish.
It’s especially useful for pot-in-pot cooking, where food is cooked in a separate pan or bowl placed inside the Instant Pot.
I’ve made plenty of Instant Pot recipes over the years, and one thing becomes obvious pretty quickly: sometimes getting a pan out of the pressure cooker is harder than getting it in. A simple foil sling solves that problem with something you probably already have in your kitchen drawer.
What You’ll Need
You only need a few basic items:
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil — about 20 to 24 inches long. I prefer heavy-duty aluminum foil because it is sturdier and less likely to tear under the weight of a hot pan.
- An Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. I use the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo.
- The pan, bowl, or dish your recipe calls for
- The Instant Pot trivet or rack, when required by your recipe
- Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves for removing the hot pan
Tip: Heavy-duty foil is the best choice for this job. If you only have regular aluminum foil, use two layers before you begin folding.
How to Make an Instant Pot Sling Step by Step
1. Tear Off a Long Sheet of Foil
Start with a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil about 20 to 24 inches long. The exact measurement isn’t critical. You simply need enough foil to run underneath your pan while leaving several inches extending up each side to create handles.
2. Fold the Foil Lengthwise
Fold the foil lengthwise several times until you have a strong strip approximately 1½ to 2 inches wide.
Press each fold firmly so the finished strip stays flat and has enough strength to support your pan.
3. Center the Pan on the Sling
Lay the folded foil strip on your counter and place your cooking pan directly in the center. You should have a foil handle extending evenly from both sides of the pan.
If one side is noticeably shorter than the other, reposition the pan before lowering it into the Instant Pot. Balanced handles make the pan much easier to control.
4. Lower the Pan Into the Instant Pot
Add the amount of water required by your recipe to the Instant Pot inner pot and place the trivet inside.
Hold one foil handle in each hand and carefully lower the pan into the Instant Pot until it rests securely on the trivet.
A typical pot-in-pot setup looks like this:
Water → Trivet → Foil Sling → Cooking Pan
5. Fold the Foil Handles Inward
Once the pan is safely positioned, fold the foil handles inward alongside or over the pan so they stay completely inside the cooker.
Do not leave the foil sticking out where it could interfere with the lid closing or the pressure cooker sealing properly.
6. Cook According to Your Recipe
Secure the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook according to the instructions for the recipe you’re making.
7. Lift the Pan Out Safely
When cooking is finished, release the pressure according to your recipe and wait until the pressure cooker can be safely opened.
The foil sling, pan, trivet, and food may all be very hot. Put on oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, unfold the foil handles, grip both sides securely, and lift the pan straight up and out of the Instant Pot.
Where Does the Foil Sling Go in the Instant Pot?
For most pot-in-pot recipes, the sling sits on top of the trivet and underneath the cooking pan.
The typical order is:
- Add the amount of water required by your recipe to the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place the trivet or rack inside.
- Position the foil sling across the trivet.
- Place the cooking pan in the center of the sling.
- Use the handles to lower everything carefully into place.
The sling helps you lift the separate cooking dish. It does not normally replace the trivet unless the specific recipe you’re following instructs you otherwise.
When Should You Use an Instant Pot Sling?
A sling is especially handy whenever you’re cooking food inside a separate pan that will sit deep inside the pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Cheesecake is one of the classic reasons to use a pressure cooker sling. A springform or push pan sits low inside the Instant Pot, and the foil handles let you lift the finished cheesecake without grabbing, tipping, or disturbing the delicate filling.
Try the technique with my Instant Pot Salted Caramel Cheesecake.
Instant Pot Meatloaf
A sling is also useful when meatloaf is cooked inside a separate pan. Instead of trying to maneuver a hot pan out of the cooker, you’ll already have handles waiting for you.
See how it can come in handy with my Easy Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe.
Pot-in-Pot Recipes
Use an Instant Pot sling for cakes, custards, puddings, rice, casseroles, lasagna, and other dishes prepared inside a separate pressure cooker-safe pan or bowl.
Egg Bites and Small Baking Dishes
A sling can also make it easier to lower and retrieve an egg-bite mold or another small container that would otherwise be awkward to reach once it’s hot.
For Heavy Pans: Make a Cross Sling
If your cooking dish is especially heavy, make two foil slings instead of one.
Fold two sturdy strips of foil and cross them underneath the pan in an X shape. This creates four lifting points and distributes the weight more evenly.
As with a single sling, make sure all of the foil ends are folded safely inside the Instant Pot before securing the lid.
Heavy-Duty Foil vs. Regular Aluminum Foil
Heavy-duty aluminum foil is my preferred choice because it is thicker and less likely to tear while you’re lifting a hot pan.
If regular aluminum foil is all you have, use two layers before folding it into the sling. Before cooking, test the finished sling with your empty pan so you can make sure it feels sturdy and balanced.
If the foil looks torn, flimsy, or unstable, make a new sling rather than risking a spill.
Foil Sling vs. Silicone Instant Pot Sling
A homemade foil sling works beautifully, but frequent Instant Pot users may eventually prefer a reusable version.
Aluminum Foil Sling
- Uses something you may already have at home
- Inexpensive
- Easy to customize for different pan sizes
- Requires no additional kitchen gadget storage
- Can be discarded when worn or dirty
Reusable Silicone Sling
- Reusable
- More durable for frequent pressure cooking
- Easy to wash
- Ready whenever you need it
- Useful for cooks who make pot-in-pot recipes often
If you’ve reached the point where you’re making cheesecake, meatloaf, cakes, or other pot-in-pot recipes regularly, a reusable silicone Instant Pot sling can be a convenient upgrade.
Instant Pot Sling Safety Tips
- Use heavy-duty foil whenever possible. Thin foil is more likely to tear under the weight of a pan.
- Keep the handles inside the cooker. Fold them inward so they don’t interfere with the lid or sealing mechanism.
- Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. The foil, pan, trivet, and food may all be extremely hot.
- Lift straight up. This is especially important with cheesecake, custard, or dishes containing hot liquid.
- Check the foil before lifting. Don’t rely on a sling that appears torn, punctured, or weakened.
- Release pressure first. Follow the pressure-release method called for in your recipe and don’t attempt to remove the pan until the cooker can be safely opened.
Instant Pot Sling Troubleshooting
My Foil Sling Tore
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil or double regular foil before folding it. Several firm folds give the strip the strength it needs to support the pan.
The Handles Are Too Short
Make another sling with a longer piece of foil. You want enough foil extending above the pan to grab securely without reaching awkwardly into the hot cooker.
The Instant Pot Lid Won’t Close
Check the foil handles first. They should be folded completely inside the pot and positioned away from the lid and sealing surfaces.
The Pan Feels Unstable
Make sure the pan is centered on the sling and sitting flat and securely on the trivet before pressure cooking.
My Pan Is Very Heavy
Use two foil slings crossed underneath the pan in an X for additional support and four lifting points.
Instant Pot Sling FAQ
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Instant Pot?
Aluminum foil is commonly used for pot-in-pot cooking and homemade slings. Keep it inside the cooker and away from the lid and sealing surfaces, and follow the instructions for your specific Instant Pot model and recipe.
How Long Should an Instant Pot Foil Sling Be?
A sheet approximately 20 to 24 inches long works well for many setups. The exact length depends on your pressure cooker and pan. You simply need enough foil to run underneath the pan while leaving secure handles on both sides.
How Wide Should an Instant Pot Sling Be?
After folding, aim for a sturdy strip approximately 1½ to 2 inches wide.
Does the Sling Go Above or Below the Trivet?
For most pot-in-pot recipes, the foil sling rests on the trivet and underneath the cooking pan.
Can I Use Regular Aluminum Foil?
Yes. Regular aluminum foil is thinner, so double it before folding the sling. Heavy-duty foil is a better option when you’re lifting heavier pans.
Can I Reuse an Instant Pot Foil Sling?
If the foil remains clean, dry, and completely intact, you can carefully flatten and reuse it. Replace the sling if it becomes torn, weakened, greasy, or heavily creased.
Can the Foil Handles Stick Out of the Instant Pot?
No. Fold the handles inward before closing the lid so the foil doesn’t interfere with the Instant Pot lid or sealing mechanism.
Do I Need a Sling for Pot-in-Pot Cooking?
Not always, but a sling makes lowering and retrieving a pan from deep inside the pressure cooker considerably easier.
Can I Use Two Foil Strips?
Yes. Crossing two folded foil strips underneath a heavy pan creates an X-shaped sling with four lifting points for additional support.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Once you’ve mastered this simple Instant Pot trick, put your new sling to work with one of these recipes:
- Easy Instant Pot Meatloaf
- Instant Pot Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot Egg Bites
A Two-Minute Trick That Makes Pot-in-Pot Cooking Easier
An Instant Pot foil sling may be simple, but it solves one of the most annoying parts of pot-in-pot pressure cooking: getting a hot pan safely back out.
Keep a roll of heavy-duty foil handy, fold a sturdy strip before you start cooking, and you’ll have inexpensive lifting handles ready whenever you need them.
And if this little trick becomes part of your regular Instant Pot routine, that’s probably your sign that a reusable silicone sling has earned a spot in the kitchen.
