So, you’ve decided to join the air fryer revolution. Welcome to the club! You’re about to unlock a world of crispy, delicious food with way less oil, and that’s something to get excited about. Your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to navigate the aisles and buy an air fryer at Target. It sounds simple, right? But once you’re standing there, faced with a wall of shiny black and stainless steel boxes, it can feel a little overwhelming. What size do you need? Is a basket better than an oven? And what’s the deal with all those presets?
Don’t you worry. As your resident air fryer guru here at Air Fryer Mart, I’ve been there. My first air fryer purchase was a mix of guesswork and blind faith. Since then, I’ve tested, cooked, and cleaned more models than I can count. I’m here to be your personal shopping assistant, your guide through the red and white aisles, to make sure you walk out with the perfect kitchen appliance for you. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make a smart choice.
Why Is Target a Great Place for Your Air Fryer Purchase?
First off, you’ve made a solid choice in where to shop. Shopping at Target for a kitchen appliance like an air fryer has some serious perks. It’s not just about grabbing a latte and wandering through the home goods section (though that’s a bonus).
- Great Selection: Target carries a well-curated mix of the most popular and reliable brands. You’ll find industry leaders like Ninja and Cuisinart alongside budget-friendly powerhouses like Gourmia and Chefman. This means you have excellent options without being paralyzed by too many choices.
- Convenience is Key: With online ordering, in-store pickup, and their famous Drive Up service, getting your new gadget home is a breeze. You can research online and have it waiting for you in an hour.
- Trustworthy Return Policy: Let’s be real, sometimes a purchase just doesn’t work out. Target’s return policy is generally very consumer-friendly, giving you peace of mind in case the model you choose isn’t the right fit for your kitchen or cooking style.
- Exclusive Deals: Between the Target Circle app, RedCard savings, and weekly ads, there are always opportunities to snag a great deal. A little planning can save you a significant amount of cash.
Before You Go: Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Walking into the store without a game plan is a recipe for confusion. To successfully buy an air fryer at Target, let’s run through a quick pre-shopping checklist. Answering these questions will narrow down your options from a dozen to just one or two perfect choices.
What Size Air Fryer Do I Actually Need?
This is the most important question. Buying an air fryer that’s too small is a common rookie mistake. You’ll end up having to cook in multiple batches, which completely defeats the purpose of a convenient appliance.
- For 1-2 people (Solo cooks, couples): A compact 2 to 4-quart model is your sweet spot. It’s perfect for a couple of chicken breasts, a side of fries, or reheating leftovers. It won’t hog your precious counter space either.
- For 3-4 people (Small families): Look for something in the 5 to 7-quart range. This is the most popular size category and offers great versatility. You can easily cook a whole meal, like four salmon fillets with asparagus, or a decent-sized batch of chicken wings for game night.
- For 5+ people (Large families, entertainers): Go big or go home! You’ll want an 8-quart model or larger. Many of the air fryer “oven” styles fall into this category, offering multiple racks for cooking large quantities at once.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s often better to size up slightly. You can always cook a small amount of food in a large air fryer, but you can’t cook a large amount in a small one.
Basket Style vs. Oven Style: What’s the Difference?
You’ll notice two main types of air fryers on the shelves. They both use the same core technology—rapidly circulating hot air—but their form factor suits different cooking styles.
Basket-Style Air Fryers:
This is the classic design you probably picture. It has a removable drawer with a perforated basket inside.
- Best for: Foods that need a good shake! Think french fries, chicken nuggets, brussels sprouts, and wings. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures everything gets evenly browned and ridiculously crispy.
- Pros: Generally more compact, simple to use, and very easy to clean (most baskets are dishwasher safe).
- Cons: Limited surface area. You can’t really cook a pizza or toast multiple slices of bread in one.
Air Fryer Ovens (or Toaster Oven Combos):
These look like a futuristic, countertop convection oven. They have a front-facing door and multiple racks or trays.
- Best for: Versatility. These are multi-function workhorses. You can air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, and sometimes even dehydrate or use a rotisserie. They’re amazing for cooking food in a single layer, like fish fillets, steak, or cookies.
- Pros: Much larger cooking capacity and incredible versatility. Replaces multiple appliances.
- Cons: They are bulkier and take up more counter space. They can also have more parts to clean.
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 2 | Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 3 | Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart 6-In-1 Air Fryer (Fry, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate), Non-Stick, with Timer, Auto Shut-Off, Digital Touch Screen, 180-400°F, 1400W, Black/Silver |
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| 4 | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black |
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| 5 | Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Air fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate or Reheat, Rosewater, 4 Quarts |
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| 6 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, Large 5-Quart Family Size, One Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 7 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 8 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 9 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 10 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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What Features Should I Look For When I Buy an Air Fryer at Target?
It’s easy to get dazzled by a machine with 12 different buttons. But do you really need them all? Here’s a breakdown of must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
The Essentials:
- Adjustable Temperature & Time: This is non-negotiable. You need precise control to follow recipes and get perfect results. Most models go up to at least 400°F (200°C).
- Clear, Easy-to-Use Controls: Whether it’s a digital touchscreen or simple dials, the interface should be intuitive. You shouldn’t need to read a 50-page manual just to make french fries.
- Non-stick, Dishwasher-Safe Parts: This will save your sanity. A good non-stick coating on the basket or trays makes cleanup a thousand times easier.
The Nice-to-Haves:
- Cooking Presets: Buttons for “Fries,” “Chicken,” or “Fish” can be helpful for beginners. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely just set the time and temp manually.
- Shake/Turn Reminders: Some models beep halfway through the cooking time to remind you to shake the basket. It’s a handy feature, but a simple kitchen timer works just as well.
- Dehydrate, Rotisserie, or Probe Functions: These are features found on higher-end, multi-function oven models. If you know you’ll use them, they’re fantastic. If not, you might be paying for features you don’t need.
Don’t Forget to Check for Deals
Before you head to the checkout, be a savvy shopper. Pull out your phone and open the Target app. Check the Target Circle offers for any category-wide discounts on kitchen appliances. Sometimes you can find a 10% or 15% off coupon that makes a huge difference. Also, browse the weekly ad to see if a specific brand you’re eyeing is on sale.
“I always tell my clients to think of an air fryer not just as a gadget, but as an investment in easier, healthier weeknight meals,” says Sarah Jenkins, a kitchen appliance expert. “Choosing the right one at a store like Target means you’re getting a reliable product backed by good customer service.”
You Bought It! Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the options and made your purchase. Before you start cooking, here are two quick steps:
- The “Test Run”: Wash the basket and any accessories. Then, run the air fryer empty for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F. This helps burn off any residual manufacturing coatings, which can sometimes have a slight chemical smell. It’s totally normal, and this one-time step ensures your first meal tastes amazing.
- Read the Manual (Just a Little): I know, I know. But give it a quick skim. You might discover a cool feature or an important cleaning tip specific to your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best air fryer brands to buy at Target?
Target carries excellent brands across different price points. Ninja is known for its powerful and versatile dual-basket and oven models. Gourmia offers incredible value with feature-packed, budget-friendly options. You’ll also find trusted names like Cuisinart, PowerXL, and Chefman, all of which are solid choices.
Can I use a Target gift card to buy an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can use Target gift cards, both physical and electronic, for any purchase in-store or online, including buying that shiny new air fryer.
What is Target’s return policy on air fryers?
Generally, Target allows returns on most new, unopened items within 90 days for a full refund or exchange. If you’ve opened and used it but find it’s defective, their policy is also very accommodating. It’s always best to check their current policy online or with customer service.
Are the more expensive air fryers at Target worth it?
It depends on your needs. Higher-priced models from brands like Ninja or Cuisinart often offer more power (for faster preheating and crisping), larger capacity, or additional functions like grilling, dehydrating, and broiling. If you plan to use those features, they are definitely worth the investment.
How do I choose between two similar models?
When you’re stuck between two options, look at the little things. Check the customer reviews on Target’s website. Does one have a slightly longer warranty? Is the basket shape of one model more practical for the foods you cook most often? Sometimes these small details can be the tie-breaker you need.
Your Crispy Adventure Awaits
Choosing the right kitchen appliance is a big deal, and it’s our mission at Air Fryer Mart to make that process simple and fun. By thinking through your needs—size, style, and essential features—you can walk into any Target with confidence. You’re not just buying another box to sit on your counter; you’re unlocking faster, healthier, and more delicious meals for you and your family. So go ahead, make your choice, and get ready to discover why everyone is so obsessed with air frying. Happy cooking! And when you’re ready for recipes and advanced tips, you know where to find us. This is just the beginning of your journey, and to properly buy an air fryer at Target is the perfect first step.