Ninja Crispi Air Fryer Review: I Tested It for a Week — Here's the Truth

We've tested nearly every air fryer Ninja makes, but the new Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Air Fryer is unlike any of them. Instead of the usual black plastic basket, this gadget uses glass containers as cooking vessels. That means easier storage, the ability to take your food on the go, and simple fridge storage.

I wanted to see how this fresh design stacks up against the best air fryers we've tested, so I ran it through our standard tests: frozen fries, chicken tenders, roasted Brussels sprouts, and chicken breast. I was impressed by how easy it is to use, how fast it cooks, and its compact footprint. But it does have drawbacks — no temperature control and a small capacity. Here's how the Crispi performed and who I think will love it.

First impressions

Available in Cyberspace, Stone, and Sage Green (shown above), the Ninja Crispi looks like a tiny spaceship on your counter. The idea is you can pack it up for a vacation or the office. But at nearly 16 pounds, it's more like carrying a bowling ball than a travel gadget.

When I unboxed it, I was surprised by how many pieces there are. Besides the 'PowerPod' — the top part with the heating element and controls — you get two glass cooking containers, each with a crisping plate and lid, plus a 'Big Batch Container Adapter' to fit the larger vessel. It's a lot to sort through, but once I figured out how everything stacks, it doesn't take up much counter space. The bowls nest inside each other, and the whole thing ends up about half the size of a full-size air fryer. You can easily stash it in a cupboard.

Specifications

Dimensions: 13.39 in L x 11.97 in W x 13.58 in H

Weight: 15.74 pounds

Capacity: 4 quarts

Cooking Modes: Air Fry, Bake, Recrisp, Max Crisp

Materials: Borosilicate glass with BPA-free plastic handles, Aluminum crisper plates with nano-ceramic coating, BPA-free plastic lids

Power: 1,500 watts

Retail Price: $179.99

Cooking performance

I tested the Crispi for a week, cooking a range of foods. I ran our standard tests: frozen fries, frozen nuggets, roasted vegetables, and a chicken breast. We look for crispy exteriors, tender interiors, and quick cook times. Here's how it did.

Test 1: Frozen fries and chicken tenders

For my first cook, I made frozen chicken tenders and waffle fries for lunch. I used the larger glass container, which holds one or two servings. I picked the Air Fry setting and was surprised to find no temperature option. The manual says it automatically sets the temp based on the mode — Air Fry runs at 400-425°F. I set the timer for 12 minutes, shaking halfway, but the food needed a few more minutes to brown. The results were solid: the chicken tenders were heated through, and the fries were crispy.

Test 2: Roasted Brussels sprouts

Next, I followed the recipe book for roasted Brussels sprouts. I trimmed them, tossed with oil and seasonings, and spread them in the small container. The recipe said 17 minutes on Air Fry, but I started checking at 15 minutes since I had a small batch. After just five minutes, the sprouts were already browning, so I shook them — the edges tend to cook faster. They were done after only ten minutes total. The glass container made it easy to see the progress, which is a big plus.

The final sprouts were evenly cooked, deeply browned, and crispy. I also loved that I could snap the lid on the glass container and store leftovers right in the fridge.

Test 3: Chicken breast

For lunch one day, I roasted a chicken breast for a salad. I used the Air Fry setting and set the timer for 18 minutes. The thicker part wasn't quite done when the timer went off, so I flipped it and added five more minutes. Both sides came out perfectly browned, and the meat was cooked through. I could have fit two breasts in the large container if needed.

Ease of use

If you're intimidated by air fryers with a dozen buttons, you'll love the Crispi. The control panel has just four buttons: one to cycle through cooking modes, plus and minus for time, and a start button. No preset programs, no special settings — it's one of the simplest air fryers I've tested. When you need to shake food mid-cook, just lift the PowerPod off the container; it pauses automatically. The Pod has extended feet so you can rest it on the counter, then hit start again to resume.

Capacity

The Crispi comes with a 4-quart and a 6-cup container, so it's best for small portions. Even the larger container won't hold several servings at once unless you batch-cook. It's ideal for one or two people. You can buy additional TempWare glass containers, but 4 quarts is the max.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

I hate hand-washing dishes, so I was thrilled that almost all parts are dishwasher-safe. The glass containers, crisping plates, lids, and the big batch adapter all go in the dishwasher. After several cycles, they still look new. Ninja says the glass, heat shield, and crisper plates are PFAS-free, making this a non-toxic air fryer. Still, avoid abrasive utensils to prevent scratches. The PowerPod rarely gets dirty — a quick wipe handles any splatter.

Customer reviews

The Ninja Crispi gets solid reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.5 stars from nearly 1,000 ratings. Shoppers love its compact size, glass containers, and quiet operation. Some mention that dialing in cook times takes trial and error since you can't adjust temperature.

How does it compare?

The Ninja Crispi is a unique air fryer — no other model lets you cook in glass dishes that double as storage. Snap on a lid and take your food on the go. It's smaller and more versatile than many air fryers, but at $180, it's pricey. Plenty of standard air fryers perform just as well for less. Our top pick among tested models is the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1, which has a 5-quart capacity, adjustable temperature, and four settings for only $90. If you love the glass design, check out the larger Fritaire glass bowl air fryer. Our kitchen appliances editor tested it last year and liked watching food crisp up in the glass bowl, but was let down by cooking performance and fiddly accessories. The Crispi, by contrast, is easy to use and delivers crispy, golden results.

Our verdict

The Ninja Crispi is a unique air fryer that works well for small households. If you cook for one or two, its compact design takes up minimal space, and you can use the smaller container for single servings. It cooks food quickly and evenly, delivering impressive results in less time than many models. But it's not for everyone. The 4-quart capacity is too small for families, it lacks temperature controls, and it costs nearly $200. If you're on a budget, you can find larger air fryers for much less.

How we test the best air fryers

To test air fryers, I focus on cooking performance. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances editor, I run each model through frozen French fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. We look for crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Our team knows the benchmarks from testing market leaders.

Ease of use is key, so I evaluate controls, basket design, instruction booklet, and recipe presets. I also test special features like grilling or dehydrating to assess versatility. While cooking, I note capacity — essential for families. Cleaning matters, so I check if parts are dishwasher-safe and examine materials for durability. After testing, I read customer reviews to gauge reliability and satisfaction. Finally, price is weighed against features and performance to see if it offers good value. Our goal is to recommend air fryers that are both stylish and a joy to use.