Best Silicone Tongs for Air Fryers in 2026
Compare silicone tongs for air fryers from OXO, Gorilla Grip and HOTEC, with practical advice on length, coated baskets, storage and safe heat limits.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
OXO Good Grips 9-inch tongs are our best overall silicone tongs for air fryers. Their scalloped silicone heads, locking design and manageable length make a sensible combination for turning food in a coated basket, without committing a drawer to a large set.
How these silicone tongs for air fryers compare
We compared published specifications and product information, not hands-on tests. The main differences are the number and length of tongs, grip construction and storage. A silicone head is gentler on a nonstick basket than an exposed metal edge, but no utensil makes a coating immune to damage. Lift food carefully and follow the air fryer maker's care instructions.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips 9-inch silicone tongs | Best overall | View |
| Gorilla Grip 7- and 9-inch tongs | Best compact set | View |
| HOTEC 3-piece silicone tongs | Best for varied tasks | View |
OXO Good Grips: one versatile pair
OXO Good Grips 9-inch silicone tongs
The OXO combines a stainless-steel body with heat-resistant silicone heads and scalloped edges designed to hold food. OXO lists a soft, non-slip grip, a lock for storage and dishwasher-safe construction. That is a useful combination when you want to turn vegetables or lift a piece of chicken from a basket and then close the tongs for a crowded drawer. It earns our overall pick because the single 9-inch format covers everyday handling without requiring three separate utensils. The tradeoff is that this listing contains only one pair: you do not get the shorter option offered by the two sets or a longer pair for a deep pot. OXO's published overall dimensions are 11 by 1 by 2 inches, so allow for the full length when planning storage.
Pros
- Scalloped silicone heads are intended for nonstick cookware
- Lock and soft grip make the single pair easy to store and handle
- Dishwasher-safe stainless-steel and silicone construction
Cons
- Only one pair, with no shorter size for a tight basket
- The listed overall length is 11 inches, longer than the 9-inch model name suggests
Gorilla Grip: two shorter lengths
Gorilla Grip 7- and 9-inch tongs
Gorilla Grip includes 7-inch and 9-inch pairs, making it the most focused choice here for cooks who regularly work in a small basket. Its listing specifies scalloped BPA-free silicone tips rated to 550°F, stainless-steel arms, a slip-resistant grip and thumb rest. A pull lock keeps each pair closed, while the hanging loop gives another storage option. The shorter pair can help with smaller pieces when space is limited; the longer one gives a little more distance from the hot basket. It wins the compact-set badge for those two lengths, not because every basket needs two tongs. Neither pair has the 12-inch reach of the HOTEC set, and the presence of silicone tips does not make the handles or a hot basket safe to touch without care.
Pros
- Seven- and nine-inch pairs suit smaller handling jobs
- Scalloped silicone tips are specified to 550°F
- Pull locks and hanging loops provide two storage options
Cons
- No 12-inch pair for reaching into a deep pot
- Two separate utensils take more storage than the single OXO pair
HOTEC: three sizes for more than air frying
HOTEC 3-piece silicone tongs
HOTEC supplies 7-, 9- and 12-inch tongs in one set, so a household can reserve the shortest for a compact air fryer and use the longest for serving or a deeper pan. The stainless-steel arms have silicone tips and cushioned grips, and the listing describes a pull-ring lock, hanging loop and dishwasher-safe cleaning. The tips are advertised as heat resistant to 600°F. The range of lengths earns the varied-tasks badge: it is the only selection here with all three. The compromise is storage and duplication if you only need one utensil. A longer pair also needs more room to open and manoeuvre around a small basket; it is not automatically the best choice just because it keeps your hand farther away.
Pros
- Seven-, nine- and twelve-inch pairs cover compact and deeper vessels
- Pull-ring locks and loops keep all three pairs closed or hanging
- Silicone tips are advertised to withstand 600°F
Cons
- Three pairs occupy more drawer space than one
- The 12-inch pair can be awkward to open in a small basket
What matters before buying
Measure the space above and around your open basket, not just its depth. A short pair can be easier to manoeuvre, while a longer one keeps your hand farther from hot surfaces. If your basket is deep, compare the usable reach with the food you cook most often. The OXO is a single middle-length option; Gorilla Grip adds a shorter pair; HOTEC adds both a short and a long one.
Heat resistance refers to the silicone component, not permission to leave the whole utensil inside a running appliance. Remove the tongs after turning food, avoid heating elements and check the manufacturer's instructions. Wash after contact with raw meat and use a clean utensil for cooked food to reduce cross-contamination.
Frequently asked questions
Can silicone tongs scratch an air fryer basket?
Silicone tips are designed to be gentler on nonstick finishes than bare metal, but careless scraping or contact with exposed metal parts can still damage a coating. Lift food instead of dragging hard edges across the basket. Inspect the tips for damage and follow the basket manufacturer's cleaning and utensil guidance.
Is a seven-inch or nine-inch pair better?
Seven inches gives you a shorter tool for restricted space, while nine inches offers a little more separation from a hot basket. The Gorilla Grip set includes both; HOTEC adds a 12-inch pair as well. Consider your basket's depth and the room needed to open the jaws, not length alone.
Can tongs stay inside an operating air fryer?
Do not leave these tongs inside the appliance while it runs. Their listed heat resistance concerns the silicone tips and does not establish that the whole tool is suitable for prolonged heating or contact with an element. Use them to turn or remove food, then place them on a heat-safe surface.
Prices and availability are accurate at publication and may change.