Top 5 Air Fryer Tongs: Essential Kitchen Tools Review

Have you ever tried to flip a crispy batch of fries in your air fryer, only to have them slip or stick to the basket? It’s frustrating! Air fryers are amazing cooking tools, but using the wrong utensils can turn a simple task into a messy struggle. Standard metal tongs can scratch that precious non-stick coating, and plastic ones might melt under the high heat.

Choosing the perfect tongs for your air fryer is more important than you think. You need tools that grip food securely, resist high temperatures, and keep your appliance looking brand new. If you are tired of guesswork and want tongs that work perfectly every time, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we will break down exactly what makes a set of tongs air fryer-approved. We’ll cover the best materials, the perfect sizes, and the features you absolutely need. Keep reading to discover the secret to effortless air frying and finally say goodbye to stuck food and scratched baskets!

Top Tongs For Air Fryer Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
GORILLA GRIP Stainless Steel Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs for Cooking, Set of 2 BBQ Tong, Non Scratch Silicone Tip for Pans, Strong Grip, Grab Food, Toss Salad, Air Fryer, Pull Lock, 7 + 9 Inch, Black
  • A STRONG AND PRECISE GRAB: featuring silicone scalloped edges, these kitchen tongs can grab nearly anything; from small ingredients like cherries, to large pieces of bbq meats, veggies and more, the tongs are incredibly durable and strong enough for a variety of ingredients
  • SCRATCH RESISTANT SILICONE HEAD: featuring a silicone head, the tongs for cooking are gentle on your nonstick cookware so you can worry less about scratching and wear and tear; silicone is heat resistant up to 484 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great option for nearly any cooking task
  • SLIP RESISTANT HANDLE: kitchen tongs feature a slip resistant, silicone grip that helps you get the best grasp on your food; they also include an ergonomic thumb rest to help alleviate pressure on fingers and thumbs for additional comfort
  • STURDY STAINLESS STEEL: kitchen tongs are constructed from durable stainless steel; easily grab even heavy items like burgers and meat; perfect for use on pans, stovetops, and ovens ; rust resistant and designed for long lasting use; dishwasher safe
  • EASY PULL LOCK: the tongs easily become compact when you pull the easy pull lock up; they fit seamlessly in most drawers and cabinets for easy storage; also include a hook for easy hang
Bestseller No. 2
HOTEC Premium Stainless Steel Locking Kitchen Tongs with Silicon Tips, Set of 2-9" and 12"
  • TOP QUALITY: Hotec kitchen tongs are constructed with high quality stainless steel, sturdy, heat resistance, anti-rust, anti-corrosion, light weight, easy to handle, like new forever. This tongs for cooking comes with 2 sizes, 9 inch and 12 inch. Food safe, Carbonfree Certified.
  • EASY TO STORE: These kitchen tongs have locking mechanism, pull the ring for lock and push for unlock, super easy operation. Hang them with the hanging loop after use or put in the drawer by pulling the ring to lock it, space saving.
  • ENGINEERING FOR SAFETY: Updated new design pattern for the handle, better protects your hands from cutting by the edge when you grip the handle. Easy to control the handle and to eliminate wobbling & any risk of burning your hands
  • EASY TO USE: The handle is cushioned with silicon, good for thumb rest and ensures good grip and control. The silicon tong tip is heat resistance and less prone to scratch the pan. Easy to rinse, dishwasher safe.
  • MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS: Basic kitchen utensil, perfect for basic kitchen tasks, indoor or outdoor use, great for grilling corn, flipping burgers, serving salad, cutting roast meat, or used as BBQ turners and much more.
Bestseller No. 3
Tribal Cooking Kitchen Tongs with Silicone Tips - Stainless Steel tongs for cooking - 9" and 12" Tongs With Silicone Rubber Non Slip Grips, Heat Resistant Metal Tongs.
  • State-of-the-art tongs for cooking - Quality cooking tongs are beneficial kitchen tools that should not be overlooked. Whether you use them for salad tongs, grilling tongs, or need trusty metal tongs for grabbing foods from boiling water, Tribal tongs meet your need for safety and reliability.
  • A second set of hands - Our kitchen tongs grip, flip, move, and jostle foods with great precision. Resistant to wear and tear, our premium steel provides rust and scratch protection. Smooth rounded handles with soft silicone for a firm, comfortable grip. Keeps hands safe and foods secure.
  • Finesse meets function - Stainless steel tongs come in a 2 pack. Small tongs for many kitchen needs. Long tongs to keep hands away from the heat while grilling, smoking or deep frying. Our superior tongs are great for holding food secure while slicing, turning meats in the pan, or grabbing a serving of pasta. You've got total control.
  • Dependable and built to last - Heavy duty spring gives tongs extra-responsive hold. Industrial quality 430 steel ensures longevity. Superior heat resistance, dishwasher safe, with lockable rings for a secure close. Attached hook for hanging. Will look great and work perfectly for years to come.
  • Experience the Tribal difference - We are dedicated to creating elevated, high-functioning kitchen tools that balance practicality and elegance, while standing the test of time. Your happiness is important to us so don't hesitate to reach out if you aren't fully satisfied.
Bestseller No. 4
Pharamat Mini Silicone Serving Tongs Set of 3, Small Kitchen Tongs (7 inch) with Silicone Tips and Stainless Steel Handle, Cooking Tongs for Salads, Pasta, Steaks, Vegetables
  • Set Includes: You will get three 7 inch silicone serving tongs, two food tongs, and a spatula tong; Tongs are suitable for serving food; These are enough for personal service at the buffet or table
  • Premium Material: The tips of mini kitchen tongs are made of premium silicone; the handles are made of premium stainless steel; the silicone tips of the small tongs can withstand temperatures from -104°F to 446°F
  • Practical Design: The pull ring design can be used to open and close your cooking tongs; Cooking tongs can be hung on the wall, saving your storage space and easy to store
  • Multiple Uses: Small tongs can be used for buffet, homemade salad, fried foods, Ice; Tongs set meets most of our needs in our daily life; Small tongs suitable for family and friends
  • Easy To Clean: Kitchen tongs are suitable for cooking, serving; Food won't stick to them, so to clean them only takes rinse with water or just take them in the dishwasher
SaleBestseller No. 5
GORILLA GRIP Stainless Steel Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs for Cooking, 9 + 12 Inch, Set of 2 BBQ Tong, Non Scratch Silicone Tip for Pan, Strong Grip, Grab Food, Toss Salad, Air Fryer, Pull Lock, Black
  • A STRONG AND PRECISE GRAB: featuring silicone scalloped edges, these tongs can grab nearly anything; from small ingredients like cherries, to large pieces of meats, veggies and more, the tongs are incredibly durable and strong enough for a variety of ingredients
  • SCRATCH RESISTANT SILICONE HEAD: featuring a silicone head, the tongs are gentle on your nonstick cookware so you can worry less about scratching and wear and tear; silicone is heat resistant up to 484 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great option for nearly any cooking task
  • SLIP RESISTANT HANDLE: the tongs feature a slip resistant, silicone grip that helps you get the best grasp on your food; they also include an ergonomic thumb rest to help alleviate pressure on fingers and thumbs for additional comfort
  • STURDY STAINLESS STEEL: the tongs are constructed from durable stainless steel; easily grab even heavy items like burgers and meat; perfect for use on pans, stovetops, and ovens ; rust resistant and designed for long lasting use; dishwasher safe
  • EASY PULL LOCK: the tongs easily become compact when you pull the easy pull lock up; they fit seamlessly in most drawers and cabinets for easy storage; also include a hook for easy hang
Bestseller No. 6
HINMAY Small Silicone Tongs 7-Inch Mini Serving Tongs, Set of 3 (Black Gray White)
  • CHEF QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL - HINMAY mini silicone tongs are made from a thick stainless steel for unbeatable strength and premium construction, and feature a ring-pull locking system which is made to last.
  • NON-STICK, HEAT-RESISTANCE AND DISHWASHER-SAFE - HINMAY small serving tongs are manufactured from a premium 100% Food Grade Silicone, that won't scratch your non-stick pans or grill grates, dishwasher safe and heat safe up to 480°F / 249°C
  • MULTI-PURPOSE USAGES - Small tongs are wonderful for personal SERVING at the table or when do a buffet. Great for home-made salad, appetizers, taco bars for cheese, veggies, lettuce, beans, or bacon.
  • PACKAGE INCLUDES - 3 × 7-Inch mini tongs (Black Gray White)
  • CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY - When you purchase these specialty food serving tongs 7-Inch Tool, you're offered a 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SERVICE. Just contact us through your order if you have any questions and we will serve you until you get your 100% satisfaction. Try it risk free!!
Bestseller No. 7
Kitchen Tongs for Cooking, 9 Inch Small Silicone Tongs, Food Grade Mini Serving Tongs with Silicone Tips, Set of 3, Green
  • 🆙"Kickstand" on the side doesn’t let the utensils touch the counter which is great for when it’s dirty. Lock feature keeps your cooking tongs from opening and closing accidentally, you've got total control.
  • 📦What type of three 9 Inch small silicone tongs you get? Includes Classical Food Tong, Spatula Tong, Pasta Tong. Don't settle for a single, one-size-fits-all tong when you can have a versatile set that can handle any type of food.
  • 🌡Heat Resistance & Dishwasher safe --- Those mini serving tongs are manufactured from a premium 100% Food Grade Silicone, won't scratch the pans or rip anything apart, dishwasher safe and heat safe up to 600°F / 315°C
  • 🍽Tongs for cooking --- With this kitchen utensil, you can be confident that you have the perfect tong for every cooking task. Whether you use them for salad tongs, grilling tongs, or need trusty tongs for grabbing foods from boiling water, this tongs set meet your need for safety and reliability.
  • 🍽Multiple Applications --- Kitchen tongs with stand are wonderful for personal serving at the table or when do a buffet. Great for holding food secure while slicing, turning meats in the pan, or grabbing pasta.
Bestseller No. 8
2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs, Premium Silicone BPA Free Non-Stick Stainless Steel BBQ Cooking Grilling Locking Food Tongs, 9-Inch & 12-Inch
  • Heat resistant up to 500 degrees F.
  • Non-stick, Corrosion resistant and Odor resistant.
  • Hygienic silicone tongs BPA-free.
  • Premium 304 stainless steel construction with locking clip.
  • Non-slip Surface design offer you the best control on food.

Choosing the Best Tongs for Your Air Fryer: A Simple Buying Guide

Air fryers are amazing tools for cooking. They make food crispy and delicious with less oil. But sometimes, turning or grabbing food inside the basket can be tricky. That’s where the right tongs come in! Using the wrong tongs can scratch your air fryer basket. This guide helps you pick the perfect pair.

Key Features to Look For

The best tongs for air frying have a few important features. These features make cooking easier and keep your appliance safe.

  • **Locking Mechanism:** Look for tongs that lock closed. This makes them easy to store. When you are done cooking, they snap shut.
  • **Length:** Tongs should be long enough. About 9 to 12 inches is usually a good length. This keeps your hands away from the hot air inside the air fryer.
  • **Grip and Control:** The tips need a good grip. You want to pick up slippery chicken wings or delicate vegetables easily.
  • **Hinge Strength:** The part where the tongs connect needs to be strong. Cheap tongs often break right there.
Important Materials Matter Most

The material of your tongs directly affects how safe they are for your air fryer. This is the most important part of the decision.

Silicone-Tipped Tongs: The Top Choice

Silicone is the champion material for air fryer use. Why? Because silicone will not scratch the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Silicone tips are heat resistant too. They handle the high temperatures inside the fryer with no problem.

Stainless Steel Tongs (with Caution)

Most tongs are made from stainless steel. This metal is strong and lasts a long time. However, **never** use bare metal tongs inside your air fryer. Metal tips will scratch and ruin the non-stick surface quickly. If you choose stainless steel, make sure the tips are covered completely with silicone or nylon.

Nylon Tongs

Nylon is another safe option. It is heat resistant, but usually not as durable as silicone. They work well for lighter foods.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how well the tongs are made. Good quality means a better cooking experience.

What Makes Tongs Better?
  • **Heat Resistance:** Higher quality silicone can handle temperatures up to 500°F safely. Check the product description.
  • **Easy Cleaning:** Tongs that are dishwasher safe save you time. Silicone models often wipe clean easily too.
  • **Comfortable Handles:** Handles should feel good in your hand. Rubber grips or textured handles prevent slipping, especially when your hands might be greasy.
What Lowers Quality?
  • **Thin Metal:** If the steel part is very thin, the tongs will bend easily when you try to lift heavy food.
  • **Poorly Attached Tips:** If the silicone tips look like they might slip off easily, avoid them. Lost tips in hot food are dangerous.
  • **Stiff Hinges:** Tongs that are hard to squeeze take more effort to use. This makes flipping food tiring.
User Experience and Use Cases

Think about what you cook most often. This helps you choose the right size and style.

For general use, like flipping frozen french fries or turning small chicken nuggets, standard 9-inch tongs work well. If you cook large roasts or big batches of vegetables, you might want the longer 12-inch tongs for extra reach.

Silicone tongs are fantastic for delicate items like fish fillets. The soft tips hold the food without tearing it apart. They are also great for tossing salads right after they come out of the air fryer basket, ensuring everything stays coated in flavor.


Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Tongs

Q: Can I use metal tongs in my air fryer?

A: No, you should avoid using bare metal tongs. Metal scratches the non-stick coating of the basket. This makes your air fryer wear out faster.

Q: What is the safest material for air fryer tongs?

A: Silicone-tipped tongs are the safest choice. Silicone is soft and heat-resistant, protecting your appliance’s surface.

Q: Should I get long or short tongs?

A: Most people prefer 9-inch or 12-inch tongs. Longer tongs (12 inches) keep your hands further away from the hot air when reaching deep into the basket.

Q: Do tongs need a locking feature?

A: A locking feature is very helpful. It lets you keep the tongs closed for neat storage in a drawer.

Q: How do I clean my silicone tongs?

A: Most silicone tongs are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with warm, soapy water. They usually clean up very easily.

Q: Can I use these tongs for grilling too?

A: If the silicone is rated for very high heat (check the packaging), you can often use them for grilling too. Silicone handles high heat well.

Q: What if the silicone tips melt?

A: If the silicone melts, the tongs are not good quality or they were used at a temperature higher than they are rated for. Replace them immediately if this happens.

Q: Are nylon tongs a good alternative to silicone?

A: Yes, nylon is a good, safe alternative. Nylon is heat resistant and won’t scratch surfaces. However, silicone usually lasts longer and grips food slightly better.

Q: How important is the hinge quality?

A: Hinge quality is very important. A strong hinge ensures the tongs do not break when you lift heavier foods like a whole chicken breast or large potatoes.

Q: Are tongs better than forks for turning food in an air fryer?

A: Yes, tongs are much better than forks. Forks poke holes in your food, letting juices escape. Tongs gently grip the food, keeping it intact and juicy.