Kitchen appliances keep getting smarter, but very few genuinely solve a problem that many homeowners face every day: limited counter space and too many single-purpose devices. The Ninja Crispi Microwave aims to change that by combining a traditional microwave, an air fryer, and several smart cooking functions into one premium appliance.
After examining the available information, specifications, and early hands-on impressions, it’s clear that Ninja isn’t simply adding air frying to a microwave. Instead, the company is trying to create a versatile cooking hub capable of reheating, crisping, roasting, baking, grilling, steaming, and more.
But does it live up to the hype?
Let’s find out.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5
The Ninja Crispi Microwave is one of the most innovative countertop cooking appliances we’ve seen recently. By combining microwave speed with air fryer crispness, it addresses one of the biggest frustrations of traditional microwaves: soggy food.
Its premium price may deter some buyers, but for families, busy professionals, and anyone looking to consolidate kitchen appliances, the Ninja Crispi Microwave offers an impressive blend of convenience, versatility, and cooking performance.
Ninja CRISPi Microwave and Air Fryer, FusionCrisp Technology, 8 Microwave and 5 Air Fry Presets, Removable Crisper Tray
- All-in-One: Microwave, convection air fryer, and FusionCrisp up to 240°C.
- FusionCrisp: Microwave-to-air-fry combo for fast, crispy results.
- 13 Functions: 8 microwave modes and 5 air fry presets.
- XL Flatbed: 20% more usable space (no turntable) for dishes up to 23x28cm.
- CleanCrisp Glassware: PFAS-free 5.2L capacity for up to 8 people.
Pros
✅ Combines microwave and air fryer in one appliance
✅ Flatbed design provides more usable cooking space
✅ Multiple cooking modes and presets
✅ Glass cooking containers instead of non-stick baskets
✅ Excellent for reheating leftovers without losing crispness
✅ Large family-sized capacity
✅ Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
❌ Premium price point
❌ Larger footprint than a standard microwave
❌ Learning curve for first-time users
❌ May be unnecessary if you already own a quality microwave and air fryer
What Makes the Ninja Crispi Microwave Different?
Traditional microwaves excel at speed but often sacrifice texture. Pizza becomes chewy, fries turn limp, and crispy chicken loses its crunch.
The Ninja Crispi Microwave tackles this limitation by combining microwave heating with air-frying technology, allowing food to heat quickly while maintaining or restoring its crispy exterior. This hybrid approach helps leftovers taste much closer to freshly cooked meals.
Unlike many combination units, Ninja has designed the appliance around real-world convenience. Users can defrost, cook, and crisp food through integrated cooking programs rather than manually moving food between different appliances.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice is the appliance’s flatbed microwave design.
Instead of the traditional rotating glass turntable, Ninja uses a completely flat cooking surface that maximises usable interior space. This approach offers several practical benefits:
- Fits larger dishes
- Accommodates rectangular cookware
- Allows multiple containers simultaneously
- Easier interior cleaning
- Better utilisation of the microwave cavity
The appliance also includes Ninja’s distinctive glass cooking containers, which have become a signature feature of the Crispi product lineup. These containers can be used for food storage, cooking, reheating, and serving.
The overall build feels premium and modern, making it look more like a high-end countertop oven than a conventional microwave.
Cooking Performance
Microwave Performance
As a microwave, the Ninja Crispi handles common tasks exceptionally well.
It includes dedicated presets for:
- Popcorn
- Potatoes
- Frozen meals
- Beverages
- Soup
- Pizza
- Butter softening
- Reheating leftovers
These specialized programs remove much of the guesswork traditionally associated with microwaving food.
The beverage mode is especially useful for reheating tea, coffee, and hot chocolate without overheating. Meanwhile, the butter-softening feature appeals to home bakers looking for precision.
Winner for Everyday Convenience
For daily reheating tasks, the appliance appears significantly smarter than a standard microwave thanks to its specialized programming.
Air Frying Performance
Where the Ninja Crispi really shines is air frying.
The appliance includes five dedicated cooking modes:
- Air Fry
- Max Crisp
- Air Roast
- Air Bake
- Air Grill
These modes deliver far greater versatility than most microwave-air fryer combinations currently available.
Whether you’re making French fries, roasting vegetables, baking small dishes, or grilling proteins, the Crispi can serve as an alternative to both an air fryer and a compact countertop oven.
Capacity: Built for Families
This is not a compact microwave.
The Crispi Microwave features a generous cooking chamber capable of accommodating:
- Large casseroles
- Family-sized meals
- Multiple bowls simultaneously
- Up to four pizza slices
- Large poultry dishes and roasts
According to Ninja, the glass cooking dish can hold a whole chicken weighing up to approximately 8 pounds.
For larger households, this capacity is a major selling point.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is refreshingly simple.
Several design choices help reduce maintenance effort:
- Flatbed interior eliminates turntable cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
- Glass cooking containers resist staining
- Easy-wipe interior surfaces
Compared with conventional air fryers that use non-stick drawers and baskets, the Ninja approach feels cleaner and more durable over the long term.
Ninja CRISPi Microwave and Air Fryer, FusionCrisp Technology, 8 Microwave and 5 Air Fry Presets, Removable Crisper Tray
Safety Features
Families will appreciate the built-in child safety features.
The Ninja Crispi Microwave includes a two-stage child lock system that helps prevent accidental operation or door opening during cooking.
This feature makes the appliance particularly appealing for households with young children.
Is the Ninja Crispi Microwave Worth the Price?
With pricing around £359.99 in the UK, the Ninja Crispi Microwave positions itself firmly in the premium appliance category.
At first glance, the price may seem high.
However, when viewed as a replacement for:
- A microwave
- An air fryer
- A compact countertop oven
- A food reheating station
…the value proposition becomes more compelling.
If you’re starting from scratch, renovating a kitchen, moving into a smaller home, or simply trying to reduce appliance clutter, the investment makes sense.
Who Should Buy the Ninja Crispi Microwave?
Perfect For
- Families
- Busy professionals
- Meal-prep enthusiasts
- Apartment dwellers
- Small kitchens
- People replacing multiple appliances
- Home cooks who frequently reheat leftovers
Skip It If
- You already own a premium microwave and air fryer
- Counter space is extremely limited
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly appliance
- You only use a microwave occasionally
Final Verdict
The Ninja Crispi Microwave represents one of the most compelling kitchen appliance innovations in recent years. Rather than simply adding air frying to a microwave, Ninja has created a genuinely versatile cooking system that addresses the weaknesses of traditional microwave cooking while delivering the crispness people love from air fryers.
Its large capacity, thoughtful presets, easy-to-clean design, and glass cooking containers help justify the premium price. While it won’t be the right fit for every kitchen, households looking to consolidate appliances and improve everyday cooking convenience will find plenty to love.
FAQs
Is the Ninja Crispi Microwave an air fryer?
Yes. It combines microwave functionality with dedicated air frying, baking, roasting, grilling, and crisping modes.
Can the Ninja Crispi Microwave replace a conventional oven?
For many everyday cooking tasks, yes. It can roast, bake, air fry, and grill, making it a practical alternative for smaller households.
Does the Ninja Crispi Microwave have a turntable?
No. It uses a flatbed design that provides more usable cooking space and easier cleaning.
Are the glass containers dishwasher safe?
Yes. Ninja’s glass cooking dishes and crisping accessories are designed to be dishwasher safe.
What is the biggest advantage of the Ninja Crispi Microwave?
Its ability to quickly heat food while maintaining crisp texture, something traditional microwaves struggle to achieve.
