The main places to buy an air fryer
You can buy an air fryer at big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco; online marketplaces like Amazon; kitchen specialty stores; and secondhand through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift shops. Each option has different prices, selection, and return policies, so the best choice depends on whether you want to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a deal on a used model.
Most air fryers cost between $40 and $200 new, depending on size and features. Secondhand models often cost 30 to 50 percent less, though you lose the manufacturer's warranty and cannot return them if they fail.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock air fryers year-round and let you see the unit before buying, but selection is smaller than online.
- Amazon and other online retailers have the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the unit and shipping takes several days.
- Costco and Sam's Club offer discounted prices if you have a membership, and their return policy is generous even after opening the box.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have used air fryers at lower prices, but you buy as-is with no warranty or return option.
- Kitchen specialty stores and Williams Sonoma stock premium brands and offer informed staff, but prices are higher than mass-market retailers.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and similar stores
Walmart and Target stock air fryers in their kitchen appliance sections year-round. You can walk in, see the box, read the specs, and ask staff questions before you buy. Both stores accept returns within 30 days if the unit is unopened, and within 90 days if you have a receipt and the item is defective. Prices are competitive but not always the lowest—they tend to match Amazon's price during sales events.
The downside is selection. A typical Walmart or Target carries 5 to 10 models at any time, mostly in the $50 to $150 range. If you want a specific brand or size, you may not find it in stock. You can order online for in-store pickup at most locations, which takes 1 to 3 days and avoids shipping costs.
Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, and others
Amazon has the largest selection of air fryers—often 50 or more models—and frequently the lowest prices. You can read customer reviews, compare wattage and capacity side by side, and have the unit delivered in 1 to 2 days with Prime membership. Amazon's return window is 30 days, and returns are free if the item arrives damaged or does not match the listing.
Walmart.com and Target.com also sell air fryers online with similar pricing and return policies. The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and if you need it urgently, standard shipping takes 5 to 7 days. Check the seller rating and read reviews about durability before ordering, especially from third-party sellers on Amazon.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club stock a smaller selection of air fryers—usually 2 to 4 models—but at discounted prices because of bulk buying power. A model that costs $120 at Target might cost $99 at Costco. Both clubs require a membership, which costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the tier.
The advantage is their return policy: Costco accepts returns on most items for up to two years, even if you have opened and used the air fryer. Sam's Club allows 90 days. If the unit fails or you change your mind, you can return it without a restocking fee. This makes warehouse clubs a good choice if you are uncertain about which model to buy.
Specialty kitchen stores and department stores
Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond (where still open) carry premium air fryer brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Breville. Staff can explain the differences between models and help you choose based on your kitchen space and cooking habits. These stores typically have a 60-day return window.
Prices are 10 to 30 percent higher than mass-market retailers because specialty stores focus on quality and service rather than volume. This route makes sense if you want informed guidance or prefer a specific brand that is hard to find elsewhere. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also stock air fryers, often with coupons that can bring prices down.
Secondhand air fryers: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist list used air fryers from local sellers, often at 30 to 50 percent off the new price. You can inspect the unit in person, test it if the seller allows, and avoid shipping costs. Payment is usually cash or Venmo, and the transaction happens locally.
The risk is that used air fryers come with no warranty and no return option. If the heating element fails a week after you buy it, you have no recourse. Ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it still heats evenly. Request photos of the interior and any visible wear. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock air fryers for $20 to $40, but selection is unpredictable and you cannot test them before buying.
Timing and seasonal sales
Air fryer prices drop during major sales events: Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November), after-Christmas sales (December 26 to January), and back-to-school sales (August). Prices can fall $20 to $50 below regular retail during these windows. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save money.
Costco and Sam's Club rotate their air fryer inventory seasonally, so if you do not see a model you want, check back in a few weeks. Amazon prices fluctuate daily, so setting a price alert on CamelCamelCamel (a price-tracking tool) can notify you when a specific model drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a used air fryer?
Yes, if you inspect it first. Ask the seller to plug it in and run it for a few minutes so you can see if it heats evenly and the fan works. Check the heating coil for damage or buildup. Avoid units that smell like burning plastic or have visible rust inside. Used air fryers are safe as long as the electrical cord is intact and the unit powers on.
Which retailer has the best return policy?
Costco offers the most generous return window—up to two years on most items, including air fryers. Amazon allows 30 days, and Walmart and Target allow 30 to 90 days depending on whether you have a receipt. If you want the most flexibility, Costco membership pays for itself if you return one item.
Can I return an air fryer if I have used it?
At Costco and Sam's Club, yes—both accept returns on used items within their return window. At Walmart, Target, and Amazon, return policies vary by item and seller. Check the return details before you buy. Most retailers will not accept returns on used air fryers from third-party sellers on their platforms.
What is the difference between buying online and in-store?
In-store lets you see the size and weight before buying and take it home when ready. Online offers more selection and often lower prices, but you wait for shipping and cannot inspect the unit. For air fryers, online usually wins on price; in-store wins if you want to see it first or need it the same day.
Should I wait for a sale or buy now?
If you need an air fryer within the next month, buy now—prices are stable year-round at most retailers. If you can wait until November or December, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales typically offer $20 to $50 discounts. The difference is not large enough to justify a long wait unless you are on a tight budget.