The main places to buy an air fryer
You can buy an air fryer at big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco; kitchen-focused stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table; online marketplaces like Amazon; and secondhand through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift stores. 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 lower price.
The retailer you choose affects not just the price but also what happens if the unit breaks or you change your mind. Some stores have longer return windows, some let you test the fryer at home first, and some charge restocking fees. Knowing these differences before you buy saves frustration later.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock multiple brands and sizes in-store, so you can compare models side by side and take one home the same day.
- Amazon and other online marketplaces offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot see or touch the unit before it arrives.
- Specialty kitchen stores like Williams Sonoma carry fewer models but often have staff who can answer questions about features and performance.
- Secondhand air fryers from Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores cost significantly less but come with no warranty and no return option.
- Return policies vary widely—some stores allow 30 days, others 90 days, and some charge restocking fees that can be 10 to 15 percent of the price.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco
Walmart and Target stock air fryers in their kitchen appliance sections and online. Both carry multiple brands—usually when ready Pot, Ninja, Cosori, and Philips—in basket sizes ranging from 2 quarts to 6 quarts. Prices typically run from $50 for a basic model to $200 for a larger or feature-rich unit. Both stores allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, though Target extends that to 60 days for RedCard holders.
Costco carries fewer models but often at lower prices because of bulk purchasing power. You need a membership to shop there, and selection changes seasonally—Costco may stock air fryers heavily in spring and summer but have limited options in winter. Return policy is generous: Costco allows returns on most appliances within two years, no questions asked, though you lose the membership fee if you return a membership-only purchase.
The advantage of shopping in-store is that you can see the size and weight before buying. A 6-quart basket takes up real counter space, and handling one in the store tells you whether it feels sturdy or flimsy. Staff can also answer basic questions about wattage and cooking capacity, though they may not have deep product knowledge.
Online marketplaces: Amazon and brand websites
Amazon stocks hundreds of air fryer models from dozens of brands, including models you will not find in physical stores. Prices often undercut retail because Amazon negotiates directly with manufacturers. Shipping is usually fast—Prime members get two-day delivery on many models—and the return window is 30 days for most items, extendable to 90 days if you contact customer service.
Brand websites like Ninja.com, InstantPot.com, and Cosori.com sell directly to consumers and sometimes offer sales or bundle deals not available elsewhere. Buying from the brand website can be useful if you want to register the product for warranty purposes or if you have questions only the manufacturer can answer. Shipping times vary by brand, typically five to ten business days.
The downside of online shopping is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives. Read customer reviews carefully, especially comments about build quality and whether the basket coating holds up over time. Pay attention to reviews that mention specific problems—dents, loose handles, or units that arrived damaged—because these tell you about real failure modes, not just opinion.
Specialty kitchen stores: Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table
Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table carry curated selections of mid-range to premium air fryers, usually Ninja, when ready Pot, Breville, and Cosori. Prices are typically higher than big-box retailers—you might pay $150 to $250 for a model that costs $100 to $180 at Walmart—but staff tend to have more product knowledge and can explain the difference between convection settings or basket materials.
Both stores allow returns within 60 days, and Sur La Table offers a price-match may provide if you find the same model cheaper elsewhere within 14 days. These stores also run frequent sales and email promotions to members, so signing up for their mailing list can save you 10 to 20 percent on your purchase.
Shop at specialty stores if you value informed guidance or if you want to handle the exact model you are considering. The trade-off is that you will pay more and have fewer models to choose from than at a big-box store or online.
Secondhand air fryers: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores
Used air fryers are widely available on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, typically priced 30 to 50 percent below retail. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock them, usually for $20 to $40. Buying secondhand makes sense if you want to try air frying without spending much money or if you are on a tight budget.
The risks are real: you have no warranty, no return option, and no way to know how the previous owner used the unit. A fryer that was cleaned properly and used occasionally will last years; one that was neglected or used daily for months may fail soon. Ask the seller how long they owned it, how often they used it, and why they are selling. Meet in person and inspect the basket for rust or coating damage, the heating element for discoloration, and the exterior for cracks.
If you buy secondhand, test it in the seller's home if possible, or ask if they will accept a return within a few days if it does not work. Some sellers will; most will not. Budget for the possibility that you may need to replace it if it fails after a few weeks of use.
Comparing price and return policies
| Retailer | Typical Price Range | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $50–$200 | 30 days | Budget options, same-day pickup |
| Target | $60–$200 | 30–60 days | Mid-range models, RedCard benefits |
| Costco | $80–$180 | 2 years | Bulk discounts, long return window |
| Amazon | $40–$250 | 30–90 days | Wide selection, fast shipping |
| Brand websites | $60–$300 | Varies by brand | Direct warranty registration, sales |
| Williams Sonoma / Sur La Table | $150–$250 | 60 days | informed staff, price matching |
| Secondhand (Facebook, Craigslist) | $20–$100 | None | Budget-conscious buyers, trial use |
Return policies matter more than you might think. If you buy a $150 air fryer at a store with a 30-day return window and discover you do not like it, you can return it for a full refund. If you buy the same model secondhand, you are stuck with it. Costco's two-year return policy is the most forgiving in the industry and worth considering if you have a membership.
Some retailers charge restocking fees on returned appliances—typically 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you think there is any chance you might return it.
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you shop, look at the basket size (measured in quarts), wattage (higher wattage heats faster), and whether the basket is nonstick or stainless steel. Nonstick baskets are easier to clean but wear out over time; stainless steel lasts longer but requires more scrubbing. Check whether the unit has preset programs or manual temperature and time controls—presets are convenient, but manual controls give you more flexibility.
Read at least five customer reviews before buying, and pay special attention to comments about durability and customer service. If multiple reviewers mention that the coating peels off or the handle broke after a few months, that is a sign to look at a different model. If reviewers praise the company's customer service, that matters if something goes wrong.
Compare the warranty length. Most air fryers come with a one-year limited warranty, but some brands offer two years or longer. A longer warranty is a sign the manufacturer is confident in the product and may indicate better build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy an air fryer online or in a store?
Online prices are usually lower, especially on Amazon, because online retailers have lower overhead costs. However, big-box stores like Costco and Walmart run frequent sales that can match or beat online prices. Check multiple retailers before buying—the same model might be $20 cheaper at one place than another.
Can I return an air fryer if I do not like it?
Yes, if you buy from a retailer with a return policy. Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, and specialty stores all allow returns within 30 to 90 days. Secondhand purchases have no return option. Check the specific return policy before you buy, because some stores charge restocking fees.
What should I look for in customer reviews?
Look for comments about durability, ease of cleaning, and whether the unit heats evenly. Ignore reviews that are just "great product" with no detail. Pay attention to reviews that mention specific problems—coating peeling, handles breaking, or uneven cooking—because these tell you about real failure modes.
Is a secondhand air fryer worth buying?
Secondhand air fryers cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones and are worth considering if you want to try air frying cheaply or are on a tight budget. The risk is that you have no warranty and no return option. Inspect the unit in person, ask the seller how often it was used, and be prepared to replace it if it fails.
Do I need to buy from the brand website or can I buy from any retailer?
You can buy from any retailer. Buying from the brand website is useful if you want to register the product for warranty purposes or if you have technical questions. Prices are often the same or higher on brand websites compared to retailers, so shop around first.