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 and eBay; kitchen specialty stores; and secondhand through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift shops. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies, so the best choice depends on whether you want a specific model, need it quickly, or are willing to wait for a sale.
New air fryers range from about $40 for a basic 2-quart model to $300 or more for larger or multi-function units. Where you shop affects not just the price but also whether you can see the unit in person, return it easily, and get a warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock 5 to 15 models in-store, let you inspect the unit before buying, and offer straightforward returns within 30 to 90 days.
- Amazon and other online retailers have the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot see the unit until it arrives and returns can take weeks.
- Costco and Sam's Club sell fewer models but often at lower prices if you have a membership, and both have generous return windows.
- Secondhand air fryers from Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores cost 30 to 50 percent less but come with no warranty and no return option.
- Timing matters: prices drop during Black Friday, back-to-school sales in August, and after-holiday clearance in January.
Big-box retailers: in-person shopping and straightforward returns
Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock air fryers in the small appliances section and online. Walmart typically carries 8 to 12 models ranging from $50 to $200, with prices lower than most competitors. Target stocks 6 to 10 models, usually priced slightly higher but with a cleaner selection of mid-range brands. Best Buy focuses on higher-end models and smart air fryers with app control, usually $150 and up.
The advantage of shopping in-store is that you can see the size, read the control panel, and check the basket capacity before you buy. All three stores accept returns within 30 to 90 days with a receipt, and Walmart and Target accept returns without a receipt if you have a credit or debit card on file. If the unit arrives damaged or stops working within the first month, in-store returns are faster than shipping it back.
Stock varies by location and season. Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm a model is in stock before you drive there. During slow sales periods, some models may be clearance-only and not available online.
Online marketplaces: widest selection and lowest prices
Amazon stocks 50 to 100 air fryer models at any time, from no-name brands at $30 to premium units at $400. Prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower than in-store, especially on older models or open-box returns. Other online retailers like Walmart.com, Target.com, and Best Buy's website match in-store prices but may have different stock.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and returns require you to ship it back at your own cost or arrange a pickup — a process that takes 1 to 3 weeks. Amazon Prime members get free returns on most items within 30 days, but non-Prime returns may cost $5 to $15 in shipping. Read the return policy before you buy, especially on marketplace sellers (not Amazon itself), because some charge restocking fees.
Check the product photos and read recent reviews from verified buyers. Look for mentions of how long the unit lasted, whether the basket coating peels, and whether the temperature controls are accurate. Avoid models with fewer than 100 reviews or an average rating below 4 stars unless you are willing to take the risk.
Warehouse clubs: lower prices with membership
Costco and Sam's Club sell 3 to 6 air fryer models at any time, usually mid-range brands like when ready Pot or Ninja at prices 15 to 25 percent below retail. Costco's selection changes every 4 to 6 weeks, so if you see a model you like, buy it then — it may not come back. Sam's Club has more consistent stock but requires a membership ($45 to $110 per year).
Both warehouses have exceptional return policies: Costco accepts returns on most items for up to two years, and Sam's Club accepts returns for one year. If the unit fails or you change your mind, you can return it without a receipt. The downside is limited selection — you are choosing from whatever the warehouse currently stocks, not from all available models.
Warehouse prices are best if you already have a membership. If you do not, the membership cost may offset the savings on a single air fryer, so compare the warehouse price plus membership against the big-box store price first.
Specialty kitchen stores and department stores
Stores like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond (where still open) stock 8 to 15 air fryer models, usually in the $80 to $300 range. These retailers focus on mid-to-premium brands and often have staff who can explain the differences between models. Prices are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than big-box stores, but return windows are often longer (60 to 120 days).
Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's carry a smaller selection (3 to 8 models) but sometimes offer discounts through coupons or loyalty programs. Check whether a coupon applies to small appliances before you buy — some exclude them.
These stores are worth visiting if you want personalized information or if a coupon brings the price down to competitive levels. Otherwise, you are paying a premium for convenience and customer service.
Secondhand air fryers: lower cost, no warranty
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and local thrift stores sell used air fryers for $20 to $100, usually 30 to 50 percent less than new. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock them, though selection is unpredictable. Estate sales and garage sales are another source, especially in spring and summer.
Before you buy, ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it still heats evenly and turns on without issues. Request photos of the basket interior — peeling nonstick coating is common on older units and means food will stick. If you buy in person, plug it in and run it for a few minutes to confirm it works.
Secondhand units come with no warranty and no return option, so you are taking on the risk that it fails after a few weeks. If the unit breaks, repair costs ($50 to $150) may exceed what you paid. Buy secondhand only if you are comfortable with that risk or if the price is low enough that a failure would not hurt.
When to buy: seasonal sales and price drops
Air fryer prices drop at predictable times. Black Friday (late November) and Cyber Monday see discounts of 20 to 40 percent at most retailers. Back-to-school sales in August sometimes include air fryers at 15 to 25 percent off. After-holiday clearance in January clears out slow-selling models at 30 to 50 percent off.
Outside these windows, prices are relatively stable. Waiting for a sale can save $20 to $80 on a mid-range model, but if you need an air fryer now, the savings may not be worth the wait. Set a price alert on Amazon or CamelCamelCamel (a price-tracking site) if you are watching a specific model — you will get an email when the price drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a name brand or a cheaper no-name air fryer?
Name brands like Ninja, when ready Pot, and Cosori have better track records for durability and customer service. Cheaper brands often have lower-quality heating elements and nonstick coatings that peel within a year. If you plan to use the air fryer several times a week, a name brand is worth the extra $30 to $50. If you are testing whether you will actually use it, a cheaper model is a lower-risk way to start.
Is it safe to buy an air fryer secondhand?
Yes, if you inspect it first. Air fryers have no complex electronics that typically fail — they are mostly a heating element and a fan. Check that it heats evenly, the basket does not have deep rust or peeling coating, and the power cord is not damaged. If it works when you test it, it will likely work for years. The risk is that it fails after you get home with no recourse.
What is the difference between buying from Amazon and buying from Walmart.com?
Prices are often the same, but Amazon Prime members get free returns within 30 days, while Walmart.com may charge return shipping. Amazon also has more third-party sellers, so selection is wider but quality varies more. Walmart.com is owned by Walmart, so returns can sometimes be processed in-store. Choose based on which return policy works better for you.
Do I need to buy from an authorized retailer to keep the warranty?
Most air fryer warranties cover the unit regardless of where you bought it, as long as you have a receipt or proof of purchase. Buying from unauthorized sellers on Amazon or eBay may void the warranty, so check the manufacturer's website before you buy. Costco and warehouse club purchases are always covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Can I return an air fryer if I just changed my mind?
Yes, within the store's return window. Big-box stores allow returns within 30 to 90 days, Costco within two years, and specialty stores within 60 to 120 days. Online returns are slower — you have to ship it back or arrange a pickup, which takes 1 to 3 weeks. Keep your receipt and do not use the unit heavily if you think you might return it.