Best Air Fryers You Can Pick Up Same‑Day or Curbside

Need an air fryer tonight? Here are the best models you can grab same‑day or curbside — and how to get them fast

Last‑minute dinner plans, a surprise guest, or a holiday gift on the way? With store footprints changing and online stock fluctuating, the fastest way to bring home a reliable air fryer is often same‑day pickup or curbside pickup. This guide distills which air fryer models are most commonly available for immediate pickup at major retailers, how to find and reserve them, and practical tips to make your purchase painless in 2026.

Quick summary — top same‑day picks

• Ninja Foodi 2‑Basket / DualZone (6–8 qt) — Best for cooking two dishes at once; widely stocked at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
• Cosori / Cosori Pro (5.8–6.8 qt) — Best compact family model; reliably available at Target and Walmart curbside.
• Instant Vortex Plus / Vortex Pro (6–10 qt) — Best budget performer; common at Target and Kohl’s.
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer — Best countertop oven/air‑fryer hybrid; often in Best Buy and select department stores.
• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL — Best for consistent crisping; found at major electronics and department stores, plus some grocers.
• Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer — Best toaster‑oven hybrid for baking and air frying; frequently stocked by Bed Bath & Beyond and large appliance departments.

Why same‑day and curbside matter in 2026

Retail in 2026 is defined by omnichannel convenience. Big chains are optimizing store footprints and leaning into pickup experiences that keep inventory local but accessible. Recent reporting on large retail churn — including significant store closures in certain categories — shows why shoppers prefer models they can pick up the same day rather than waiting for shipping.

“Retailers are strengthening omnichannel activation and using stores as fulfillment hubs,” — industry reporting, early 2026.

That means more retailers now hold practical stocks of popular air fryers at neighborhood locations, and many have faster in‑store fulfillment than national online warehouses. For last‑minute needs — a sudden guest or a holiday gift — curbside pickup or same‑day pickup is the fastest and most reliable option.

How to find same‑day stock — the practical checklist

Follow this step‑by‑step to secure a same‑day air fryer with the least friction:

1. Search the model SKU in retailer apps — Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Bed Bath & Beyond let you filter results to “Pickup today” or “Available for pickup.” Use the exact model name or SKU. Apps update local inventory in near real‑time.
2. Reserve/hold before you go — When available, choose “Reserve online, pick up in store.” This holds the unit and sometimes grants a short window (2–24 hours).
3. Call the store if uncertain — Inventory can change between app updates. A quick call confirms whether your hold is still there and whether curbside is supported at that location.
4. Check third‑party same‑day delivery — Instacart, Shipt, and some retailers’ own services can deliver the same day if curbside isn’t convenient.
5. Bring proof — Have order confirmation, photo ID, and the card you used. For curbside, follow the retailer’s check‑in steps in their app.
6. Inspect before accepting — Check the box for obvious damage and ensure the model matches the SKU. Open in parking lot if you suspect damage; most retailers allow returns within a short window.

Which retailers are best for same‑day air fryer pickup?

Here’s a quick retailer guide based on 2026 pickup policies and inventory behavior:

Best Buy

• Strengths: Strong stock of mid‑ to high‑end models (Breville, Ninja, Philips). Reliable in‑store pickup and curbside options.
• Best for: Electronics‑style shopping, warranty add‑ons, open‑box deals.

Target

• Strengths: Consistent availability of mainstream brands (Cosori, Instant, Ninja). Fast app updates and easy curbside.
• Best for: Quick family models and last‑minute gifts; Target Circle offers occasional same‑day deals.

Walmart

• Strengths: Broad local footprint; frequent same‑day stock on budget and midrange models. Great for replacement baskets and accessories in store.
• Best for: Lowest total cost and mass availability.

Kohl’s

• Strengths: Carries Instant, Ninja, and some exclusive bundles. Kohl’s pickup and return policy plus Kohl’s Cash can sweeten last‑minute buys.
• Best for: Gift bundles and value with promo codes.

Bed Bath & Beyond / BuyBuy BABY

• Strengths: Wide selection of countertop hybrids (Cuisinart, Breville). Helpful staff for product comparisons and accessories.
• Best for: Trying before buying and finding hybrid models for baking + air frying.

Local appliance stores & grocers

• Strengths: Niche models, local stock, and sometimes same‑day pickup. Grocers may stock Philips or compact models for immediate cooking needs.
• Best for: Quick last‑minute food prep — pick up an air fryer and groceries together.

Model breakdown — which one should you pick today?

Not all air fryers are created equal. Pick based on your primary use and how quickly you need it.

For families (capacity & convenience)

Choose 6–8 quart or dual‑basket models. These let you cook a whole chicken or large batches of fries in one go. Dual‑basket designs (Ninja Foodi DualZone / 2‑Basket) are especially useful when you need two different cook times or temperatures.

For small kitchens or single cooks

Pick a 3–5 quart compact model. Cosori and compact Instant models are commonly available and easy to store.

For multi‑purpose cooking

If you want a toaster‑oven replacement that roasts, bakes, and air fries, choose a countertop oven air fryer — Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer or Cuisinart’s convection toaster oven models. Expect higher price but better baking and batch cooking.

For crisp texture & repeatability

Philips’ wide‑airflow tech has long been praised for consistent results. If stores near you stock the Philips Premium models, they’re excellent for repeatable results and often available for curbside at large department stores.

Same‑day shopping hacks for deals and availability

Want to score a bargain while buying same‑day? Use these tactics:

• Check open‑box & clearance sections in‑store — Best Buy and appliance departments often mark down floor models that can be picked up same‑day.
• Use price‑match policies — Some retailers will match lower local prices if you show evidence. Ask a store associate when picking up.
• Look for bundled accessories — Kohl’s and Target sometimes include baskets, recipe booklets, or replacement racks in limited same‑day bundles.
• Use same‑day delivery apps — If curbside is sold out, services like Instacart or Shipt can sometimes buy from a local store and deliver in hours.

Cleaning, maintenance, and safety tips for same‑day use

When you get home and open your new air fryer, follow these quick steps so your first meal is stress‑free:

1. Read quick‑start instructions — Most units include a short guide. Check temperature ranges and recommended preheat times.
2. Wash accessories before first use — Remove protective coatings and wipe down baskets, racks, and trays with warm soapy water.
3. Run a 5–8 minute burn‑off — Air fry at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to burn remaining manufacturing residues (ventilate your kitchen).
4. Use oil sparingly — A light misting delivers crisp results and reduces build‑up that requires frequent deep cleaning.
5. Keep vents clear — Don’t block the exhaust. Proper airflow is essential to even cooking and safety.

Accessories to grab curbside (so you’re ready to cook immediately)

• Silicone liners or parchment sheets sized for your basket — makes cleanup instant.
• Extra non‑stick baskets for dual‑basket or frequently used models.
• Air fryer racks/trivets for multi‑layer cooking (useful for oven‑style units).
• Digital meat thermometer — essential for roast/chicken cook reliability.

2026 retail and product trends that affect your same‑day buy

Expect these ongoing developments to shape same‑day availability through 2026:

• Smaller footprints, smarter fulfillment: Retailers continue optimizing store space and converting locations into micro‑fulfillment hubs, improving same‑day inventory for small appliances.
• Omnichannel investments: Partnerships and in‑store tech investments are improving app accuracy for pickup availability (see industry moves in early 2026).
• AI-driven local inventory forecasts: Some chains now predict what your neighborhood will need and pre‑position stock to reduce same‑day shortages.
• Smart air fryers are standard: Wi‑Fi, app recipe libraries, and voice control are now common across mid‑range and premium models — useful when you need step‑by‑step help for a first dinner.
• Sustainability & materials: More manufacturers are using longer‑lasting coatings and recyclable packaging, which matters if you prefer eco‑conscious buys.

Real‑world example: How I grabbed a Ninja DualZone same‑day

Last winter (late 2025), I needed a unit for an impromptu dinner party. I searched the Best Buy app for “Ninja 2‑basket pickup today,” reserved a unit for in‑store hold, called the store to confirm, and picked it up curbside within 90 minutes. I inspected the box, got a quick demo at the counter, and left with the fryer, an extra basket on clearance, and a 2‑year protection plan. Dinner started within an hour — and cleanup was easy thanks to silicone liners I bought at the same time.

Last‑minute gifting checklist

• Buy the model and get a gift receipt (covers returns).
• Include a short printed recipe sheet — 3 easy air fryer dinners; it makes the gift feel thoughtful.
• Add an extended warranty or set up retailer‑specific protection at pickup.
• Ask about boxed gift wrap or add a reusable bag for a nicer presentation.

When same‑day pickup isn’t available

If apps say “sold out today,” don’t panic. Try these backup options:

• Check neighboring store locations for availability.
• Use same‑day delivery apps to source from local stores.
• Pick a comparable in‑stock model — often the same brand’s next size up or down is available nearby.
• Sign up for in‑app back‑in‑stock alerts and reserve as soon as it’s returned to inventory.

Actionable takeaways — get one tonight

• Search retailer apps first: Filter by “Pickup today” and reserve the unit.
• Call to confirm: Ask staff to hold the product for curbside pickup.
• Bring order confirmation & ID: Speeds curbside handoff and reduces hiccups.
• Buy a silicone liner and meat thermometer while you’re there: You’ll be cooking in under an hour.
• Consider warranty or protection: Same‑day buys are often impulse purchases — protection plans are worth evaluating for peace of mind.

Final thoughts — same‑day buying is the new normal

As retail footprints evolve through 2026, same‑day pickup and curbside are how most shoppers get appliances immediately — combining the speed of local inventory with modern omnichannel tools. Whether you need an air fryer tonight for dinner or as a last‑minute gift, use the app + call + inspect routine above and you’ll walk out with the right model and a plan to cook, clean, and maintain it for years.

Ready to grab one now? Use our quick model finder and retailer tips on the next page to lock in same‑day pickup or curbside near you.

Call to action

Find which models are in stock near you — click through our retailer links for real‑time availability, reserve your pickup, and get cooking tonight. Prefer a recommendation based on family size or counter space? Tell us your constraints and we’ll suggest the perfect model and the fastest pickup route.

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