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 to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are willing to save money by buying used.
New air fryers range from about $40 for basic countertop models to $300 or more for larger or multi-function units. Where you shop affects not just the price but also what warranty comes with it, how straightforward returns are, and whether you can inspect the item before buying.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock air fryers in-store and online, with prices that vary by location and season.
- Amazon and other online retailers offer the widest selection and often have lower prices, but you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives.
- Costco and Sam's Club sell air fryers at competitive prices if you have a membership, and their return policy is generous.
- Secondhand air fryers from Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores cost 30 to 50 percent less but come with no warranty and require inspection before purchase.
- Kitchen specialty stores and department stores like Macy's carry premium brands but typically charge more than big-box retailers.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and similar stores
Walmart and Target stock air fryers both in their physical stores and on their websites. Prices at these retailers are usually competitive with online options, and you can see the unit in person before buying. Both stores accept returns within 30 days if you keep the receipt and the item is in original condition.
Availability varies by location and season. During the fall and winter months, when air fryer sales peak, selection is wider but popular models may sell out. You can check stock at your local store through their websites before driving there. Both retailers also offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount (usually $35 for Target, $50 for Walmart), though in-store pickup is often faster.
Target's RedCard gives 5 percent off purchases, which can add up if you buy accessories like replacement baskets or cooking spray. Walmart's membership program, Walmart+, includes free shipping and fuel discounts but costs $98 per year, so it only pays off if you shop there regularly.
Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and direct brand websites
Amazon carries the widest selection of air fryer brands and models, from budget options to high-end units. Prices are often lower than in-store, and shipping is fast if you have Prime membership. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most items, though some sellers offer longer periods. The downside is you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and if it arrives damaged, you will need to document the damage and request a replacement or refund.
eBay offers both new and used air fryers, often at lower prices than Amazon. Sellers vary in reliability, so check their ratings and read recent feedback before buying. eBay's buyer protection covers items not as described or that arrive damaged, but the process takes longer than Amazon returns.
Many air fryer brands sell directly through their own websites — Ninja, Cosori, when ready Pot, and others. Buying directly sometimes means access to sales or bundles not available elsewhere, and you deal with the manufacturer for warranty claims. Shipping times and return policies vary by brand, so check before ordering.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club offer air fryers at prices competitive with or lower than big-box retailers, and both have excellent return policies. Costco accepts returns on most items for up to two years, even without a receipt, which is more generous than most retailers. Sam's Club has a 90-day return window on most electronics.
Selection at warehouse clubs is smaller than at Walmart or Amazon — they typically stock three to five models at any given time — but the units they carry are usually solid mid-range options. You need a membership to shop at either store; Costco Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, and Sam's Club Plus membership costs $110 per year. If you already have a membership for groceries, adding an air fryer purchase may make sense.
Both stores rotate inventory seasonally, so the models available in January may be gone by March. Check your local warehouse's website or call ahead to confirm stock before visiting.
Kitchen specialty and department stores
Stores like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond (where still operating) carry premium air fryer brands and often have staff who can explain features in detail. Prices are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than big-box retailers, but you get informed guidance and may find exclusive models or bundles.
Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also stock air fryers, often with sales or coupon codes that can bring prices closer to big-box levels. Kohl's Cash rewards can offset some of the cost if you shop there regularly. These stores usually accept returns for 30 to 60 days, depending on the item and whether you have a receipt.
Secondhand options: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores
Buying a used air fryer can save you 30 to 50 percent compared to new, but you lose the manufacturer warranty and take on the risk that the unit may fail soon after purchase. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you see the unit in person and test it before handing over money. Always ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it has any issues.
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock air fryers at steep discounts, usually $15 to $40. The catch is selection is random and unpredictable, and most thrift stores do not accept returns. Inspect the unit carefully in the store — plug it in if allowed, check that the basket moves freely, and look for dents or burn marks inside the cooking chamber.
When buying secondhand, ask the seller for the original manual or look up the model online to understand its features and any known issues. Some older models may use more energy or cook less evenly than newer ones, so factor that into your decision.
Comparing price and convenience across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Return Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box (Walmart, Target) | $40–$250 | 10–20 models | 30 days | In-person shopping, fast pickup |
| Amazon | $40–$300+ | 50+ models | 30 days | Wide selection, fast shipping with Prime |
| Warehouse clubs | $60–$200 | 3–5 models | 90 days–2 years | Members seeking value and straightforward returns |
| Kitchen specialty stores | $80–$350 | 5–15 models | 30–60 days | Premium brands, informed information |
| Secondhand | $15–$100 | Varies | None | Budget-conscious buyers, local pickup |
What to check before buying, regardless of where you shop
Whether you buy new or used, in-store or online, inspect the packaging and the unit itself for damage. If buying online, open the box when ready and test the air fryer if possible — plug it in, set a timer, and listen for unusual sounds. If it does not work or looks damaged, contact the seller or retailer right away while you are still within the return window.
Check the warranty that comes with the unit. Most air fryers carry a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects, but some brands offer longer coverage. Read the fine print to understand what is and is not covered — accidental damage and normal wear are usually excluded.
Compare the actual capacity and wattage across models, not just the price. A $50 air fryer with a 2-quart basket and 800 watts will cook differently than a $100 model with a 5-quart basket and 1500 watts. Larger households and those who cook for groups benefit from bigger capacity, while single people or couples may find a smaller unit sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy an air fryer online or in a store?
Online retailers like Amazon often have lower prices than physical stores, especially during sales events. However, big-box stores like Walmart and Costco match or beat online prices regularly, and you avoid shipping costs and delays. Compare the same model across three or four retailers before deciding.
Can I return an air fryer if I change my mind?
Yes, most retailers accept returns within 30 days if the item is unused and in original packaging. Costco is more generous at up to two years. Secondhand purchases from individuals typically have no return option, so inspect carefully before handing over money.
What should I look for when buying a used air fryer?
Test it in person if possible — plug it in and run it for a minute to listen for odd sounds. Check inside the basket for burn marks, rust, or food residue. Ask how long the seller owned it and why they are selling. Avoid units with dents, cracks, or loose handles.
Do I need a membership to get a good deal on an air fryer?
No. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target offer competitive prices without membership. Warehouse clubs like Costco have lower per-unit prices but require annual membership fees, so the savings only pay off if you shop there regularly for other items too.
Which brands are easiest to find in stores?
Ninja, Cosori, when ready Pot, and Philips are widely stocked at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Costco. Smaller or premium brands like Miele or Breville are harder to find in big-box stores but available online and at specialty kitchen retailers.