The main places to buy air fryers are big-box retailers, online marketplaces, appliance stores, and secondhand sellers
You can find air fryers at most places that sell kitchen appliances: Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and specialty appliance shops all stock them regularly. Prices and model selection vary by location and season. Online retailers usually have the widest range of brands and sizes, while physical stores let you see the unit in person before buying. Secondhand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp often have used models at lower prices, though you lose any remaining manufacturer warranty.
The choice between new and used, and between online and in-store, depends on your budget, how soon you need it, and whether you want a warranty. A new air fryer from a major retailer comes with a manufacturer's may provide (usually one to two years). A used one may not, but can cost 30 to 50 percent less.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock air fryers year-round, with prices typically between $50 and $300 depending on size and brand.
- Amazon and other online marketplaces offer the most model variety and often have lower prices, but you cannot inspect the unit before delivery.
- Specialty appliance stores carry fewer models but staff can answer detailed questions about performance and features.
- Secondhand air fryers from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist cost less but may have no warranty and require you to inspect the unit in person.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club carry a rotating selection of air fryers, usually at competitive prices, but membership is required.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Best Buy
Walmart and Target stock air fryers in their kitchen appliance sections year-round, with models ranging from 2-quart compact units to 6-quart family-size versions. Prices typically run from $50 to $250. Both stores offer in-store pickup and home delivery on many models. You can check inventory and prices on their websites before visiting.
Best Buy carries a smaller selection, usually focusing on mid-range to premium brands like Ninja, Cosori, and when ready Pot. Prices at Best Buy tend to be higher than Walmart or Target, but the staff can answer technical questions. Best Buy also offers a return window of 15 days on most appliances, which is shorter than some competitors.
All three retailers offer standard manufacturer warranties with new purchases. Return policies vary: Walmart allows returns within 90 days, Target within 30 days, and Best Buy within 15 days. Check the specific model's return policy before buying.
Online marketplaces: Amazon and specialty sites
Amazon carries dozens of air fryer brands and models, from budget options under $50 to premium units over $400. Prices often undercut physical retailers. Shipping is usually fast (one to two days with Prime), and Amazon's return window is typically 30 days. The downside is you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and you rely on product photos and customer reviews to judge quality.
Other online retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond (now operating online only), Williams Sonoma, and Sur La Table carry curated selections of higher-end air fryers, usually $150 and up. These sites often have detailed product descriptions and comparison tools. Shipping times are longer than Amazon, typically five to seven business days.
When buying online, check the seller's return policy and whether the manufacturer warranty is honored if you did not buy directly from the brand. Some brands, like Ninja and when ready Pot, honor warranties regardless of retailer; others require proof of purchase from an authorized seller.
Appliance specialty stores
Stores like Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot carry air fryers alongside other kitchen appliances. Lowe's and Home Depot focus on mid-range models ($60 to $200) and often have sales during holiday weekends. Staff at these stores can explain features but may have less depth of knowledge than specialty appliance shops.
Independent appliance stores in your area may carry premium brands like Breville or Miele that big-box retailers do not stock. These stores typically charge more but offer personalized information and sometimes extended warranties. Call ahead to confirm they carry air fryers and what brands they stock.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club rotate air fryer inventory seasonally, with the best selection in spring and fall. Prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower than big-box retailers because of bulk purchasing power. Both clubs offer extended return windows (Costco allows returns indefinitely on most items; Sam's Club allows 90 days) and include the manufacturer warranty.
The catch is membership: Costco charges $60 to $130 per year, and Sam's Club charges $50 to $110. If you are already a member, warehouse clubs are worth checking first. If not, the membership cost may offset the savings on a single air fryer.
Secondhand air fryers: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp
Used air fryers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new models. You can often find barely-used units from people who bought them as gifts or lost interest. The advantage is lower cost; the disadvantage is no manufacturer warranty and no return option if the unit does not work.
Before buying used, ask the seller how often they used it, whether it has any damage, and if they have the original box and manual. Test it in person if possible—plug it in and run it for a minute to confirm it heats up. Check that the basket slides smoothly and the exterior has no cracks or burn marks.
Be cautious of deals that seem too cheap. If a $200 air fryer is listed for $40, ask why. It may have a heating element that fails after a few uses, or the seller may not know what they are selling. Stick to sellers with good ratings and clear photos.
Seasonal sales and timing
Air fryer prices drop during major shopping events: Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November), post-holiday clearance (January), and back-to-school sales (August). Prices are usually highest in spring and summer when demand peaks. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save $20 to $50 on mid-range models.
New models are released in spring and fall, so older models go on sale when retailers make room for inventory. If you do not need the latest features, buying a previous-year model during a clearance event is a smart way to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a used air fryer?
Yes, if you inspect it first. Air fryers have few moving parts and no complex electronics, so they are durable. Check that the heating element works, the basket moves freely, and there are no visible cracks or burn marks. Avoid units that smell like burnt plastic or have visible damage to the cord.
What is the difference between buying at a big-box store versus online?
Big-box stores let you see the unit in person and take it home when ready, but selection is smaller and prices may be higher. Online retailers have more models and often lower prices, but you wait for delivery and cannot inspect before buying. Return policies also differ: online retailers often allow 30 days, while physical stores may allow 15 to 90 days.
Do I need to buy from an authorized retailer to keep the warranty?
Most major brands like Ninja, when ready Pot, and Cosori honor warranties from any retailer, including Amazon and Walmart. Some premium brands require proof of purchase from an authorized dealer. Check the manufacturer's website or ask the seller before buying to confirm warranty coverage.
Are warehouse club air fryers the same as ones sold elsewhere?
Usually yes, but warehouse clubs sometimes carry exclusive models or bundles not available at other retailers. The unit itself is the same; the difference is price and return policy. Costco and Sam's Club often have better return terms than big-box stores.
When is the best time to buy an air fryer?
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-holiday clearance (January) typically have the deepest discounts. Back-to-school sales in August and Presidents Day sales in February also offer savings. If you can wait, buying during these events can save 20 to 30 percent compared to regular prices.