The main places to buy an air fryer
You can buy an air fryer from big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco; kitchen-focused stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table; online marketplaces like Amazon; and secondhand from 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 willing to buy used to save money.
New air fryers range from about $40 for a basic 2-quart model to $300 or more for larger or specialty units. Where you shop affects not just the price but also what warranty comes with it, how straightforward returns are, and whether you can ask questions before buying.
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 retailers often have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives and returns can take longer.
- Specialty kitchen stores like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table carry fewer models but staff can answer detailed questions about performance and features.
- Secondhand air fryers from Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores cost 30 to 50 percent less but come with no warranty and no way to test them before purchase.
- Costco and Sam's Club offer good prices on popular models if you have a membership, and their return policy is generous even after you have used the unit.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and similar stores
Walmart and Target stock air fryers year-round in their kitchen appliance sections, both online and in physical stores. You will find 5 to 15 different models at any given time, ranging from budget brands like Cosori and when ready Pot to mid-range options. Prices are competitive, and both stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount (usually $35) or free in-store pickup within a few days.
The advantage of shopping in-store is that you can see the size and footprint of the unit before committing. The basket size, control panel layout, and overall dimensions matter more than you might think when you are fitting it into your kitchen. Both stores have straightforward return policies: you can return an unused air fryer within 30 days, and Walmart accepts returns of opened units within 15 days if you have a receipt.
Target's return window is 30 days for most items, including opened appliances, which is slightly more forgiving. Neither store typically offers extended warranties on small appliances, so the manufacturer's warranty (usually one to two years) is what you get.
Online marketplaces: Amazon and others
Amazon stocks hundreds of air fryer models, from obscure brands to major names, and often has lower prices than physical retailers because of lower overhead. You can read customer reviews before buying, compare specifications side by side, and have the unit delivered to your door in one to three days if you have Prime membership. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most items, and returns are free if the unit is defective or not as described.
The downside is that you cannot inspect the air fryer before it arrives, and if something is wrong with it—a dent, a non-functional button, or a missing part—you have to unbox it, test it, and then arrange a return. Some sellers offer extended warranties through Amazon's protection plans, which add $10 to $30 to the purchase price and cover accidental damage and mechanical failure beyond the manufacturer's warranty.
Other online retailers like Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond (online only now), and brand-specific websites like Ninja.com or Cosori.com also sell air fryers. Best Buy offers in-store pickup at many locations and a 15-day return window. Brand websites sometimes offer sales or bundles that you will not find elsewhere, but shipping times are often longer.
Specialty kitchen stores and department stores
Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Crate and Barrel carry a smaller selection of air fryers—usually 3 to 8 models—but they tend to be mid-range to high-end units. Staff at these stores are trained on kitchen equipment and can answer questions about cooking performance, capacity, and which models work best for specific foods. Prices are typically higher than at big-box retailers, but the service and informed may justify it if you are uncertain about what to buy.
These stores offer 30-day returns and often have loyalty programs that give you points toward future purchases. Some also offer in-home delivery and setup for a fee, which can be useful if you want help placing the unit and understanding its controls. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also stock air fryers, though selection is usually limited to 2 to 4 popular models.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club offer air fryers at prices 10 to 20 percent lower than most retailers, and their selection rotates seasonally. You will typically find 2 to 4 models in stock at any given time, usually from brands like when ready Pot, Ninja, or Cosori. Both clubs require a membership, but if you shop there regularly, the savings on an air fryer can pay for part of your annual fee.
The real advantage of buying from a warehouse club is the return policy. Costco allows returns on most items, including opened and used appliances, within two years of purchase with your membership card. Sam's Club has a similar policy for members. This means if you buy an air fryer, use it for a few months, and decide it is not for you, you can return it for a full refund—something no other retailer offers.
Secondhand options: 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. Local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally stock them as well. If you are budget-conscious or want to test whether an air fryer fits your cooking style before investing in a new one, secondhand is worth considering.
The trade-off is that you have no warranty, no return option, and no way to know how the previous owner treated the unit. Before buying, ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether all the accessories (basket, tray, instruction manual) are included. If possible, ask to see it plugged in and running. Meet in a public place and bring cash.
Thrift stores usually price air fryers between $15 and $40, but selection is unpredictable and you cannot special-order. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you search by brand and model, so you can hunt for a specific unit. Always inspect the cord for damage and ask whether the heating element works before handing over money.
Comparing price and convenience across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart / Target | $40–$200 | 5–15 models | 30 days | In-store browsing, same-day pickup |
| Amazon | $35–$300+ | 100+ models | 30 days | Wide selection, fast shipping, reviews |
| Specialty stores | $80–$300 | 3–8 models | 30 days | informed information, mid-to-high-end units |
| Costco / Sam's Club | $50–$250 | 2–4 models | 2 years | Best prices, generous returns, members only |
| Secondhand | $15–$100 | Varies | None | Budget buyers, testing before committing |
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you shop, confirm the basket capacity (measured in quarts) matches your household size. A 2-quart basket works for one or two people; a 4-quart or larger is better for families. Check the wattage—higher wattage (usually 1400 to 1700 watts) heats faster and more evenly. Look at the control type: digital touchscreen, buttons, or a dial. Digital controls are easier to read but can fail; mechanical dials are simpler and more durable.
Read the warranty details before checkout. Most air fryers come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects, but not damage from misuse or accidents. If you are buying secondhand, there is no warranty at all. Check the return policy of the specific retailer—some have restocking fees or shorter windows than others. If you are buying online, confirm the shipping cost and delivery time, and whether the retailer covers return shipping if the unit arrives damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy an air fryer online or in a store?
Online retailers like Amazon are often 5 to 15 percent cheaper than physical stores because they have lower overhead. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer the best prices overall, but require membership. Big-box retailers like Walmart match online prices on popular models to stay competitive. The real cost difference comes from shipping: online orders may have free shipping, but specialty stores might charge $10 to $20 for delivery.
Can I return an air fryer if I have already used it?
Costco and Sam's Club allow returns of used appliances within two years. Walmart accepts opened air fryers within 15 days with a receipt. Target allows 30 days. Amazon accepts returns within 30 days if the unit is defective or not as described, but may deduct a restocking fee if you are returning it straightforward because you changed your mind. Specialty stores and thrift stores typically do not accept returns on used items.
Should I buy a secondhand air fryer to save money?
Secondhand air fryers cost 30 to 50 percent less and work fine if the previous owner took care of it. The risk is that you have no warranty and no recourse if something breaks. If you are unsure whether you will use an air fryer regularly, buying used is a low-risk way to test it. If you plan to use it daily for years, a new unit with a warranty is safer.
What is the difference between buying from Amazon and buying from the brand's own website?
Amazon has faster shipping (often one to two days with Prime), easier returns, and customer reviews. Brand websites sometimes offer sales, bundles, or exclusive models, but shipping is slower and returns go through the manufacturer rather than a retailer. If you know exactly which model you want, the brand website may be cheaper; if you are comparing options, Amazon is faster and more convenient.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty for an air fryer?
Most air fryers last three to five years with normal use, and the manufacturer's warranty covers defects for one to two years. Extended warranties add $10 to $30 and cover accidental damage and mechanical failure beyond that period. They are worth considering if you plan to use the air fryer heavily or if you are accident-prone, but they are not necessary for most households.