Ninja CRISPi Review and Ninja CRISPi Recipes and Ideas
This review includes a Ninja CRISPi, which I was sent to try out as part of another collaboration. All opinions are my own.
The Ninja Crispi has absolutely exploded on social media lately, and I’ll admit, I was curious. A glass air fryer that actually looks nice enough to leave out on the kitchen counter? That already felt different from the usual bulky black appliances taking over everyone’s kitchens.
But once you get past the pretty design, is it actually any good?
I’ve been testing the Ninja Crispi UK version properly at home to see whether it genuinely earns the hype. I wanted to know if it cooks well, whether it’s practical for everyday meals, and if it’s really worth spending up to £149.99 on.
In this honest Ninja Crispi review, I’ll share what I genuinely liked, the bits I found frustrating, who I think it works best for, and whether I’d actually recommend it. I’ll also explain the differences between the standard Ninja Crispi and the Ninja Crispi Pro XL, because the price jump is quite significant and not everyone will need the upgrade.
Before I start I would like to clarify that I have only tried out the UK version of the Ninja CRISPi. The US version is a little different from what I have seen, so this is a UK Ninja CRISPi review.
What Is the Ninja Crispi?
The Ninja Crispi is quite different from a standard drawer-style air fryer. Instead of pulling out a plastic basket, you cook in glass containers with a removable heated lid called the PowerPod.
The UK model I tested comes with two glass containers:
- A larger 3.8L container for everyday meals
- A smaller 1.4L container that’s perfect for leftovers, lunches, or cooking for one
Each container includes a crisper plate and storage lid, which honestly ended up being one of my favourite features. You can cook, serve, store leftovers, and reheat all in the same dish without creating loads of washing up.
The glass design also means you can actually see your food cooking, which is strangely satisfying and makes it easier to check things without constantly opening drawers and losing heat.
One thing worth mentioning is that the UK Ninja Crispi is slightly different from the US version you may have seen online. The cooking functions and settings vary, so if you’ve watched American TikToks or YouTube reviews, don’t assume every feature is identical.
You can pick it up directly from Ninja UK, Amazon, Very or John Lewis, with prices starting from around £149.99. In time, it will probably be available elsewhere too.
What Cooking Functions Does It Have?
The standard Ninja Crispi has four cooking modes:
- Air Fry for everyday crispy cooking
- Roast for meat and veg
- ReCrisp for bringing leftovers back to life
- Keep Warm for holding food at a serving temperature
One thing to note is that the UK version does not have a Max Crisp function. That is only available on the US model. The UK Crispi uses Keep Warm in its place.
There are no manual temperature settings on the standard model. You pick a mode, set a time, and let it do its thing. This is fine for most everyday cooking, but if you like to tweak temperatures, it might feel a little limiting. The Crispi Pro XL fixes this with full temperature control, which is one of its main selling points over the basic model.
What Is the Ninja Crispi Like to Use?
Honestly, it took me a couple of uses to properly get used to it.
If you already own a normal air fryer, the Ninja Crispi feels quite different at first because you remove the heated PowerPod completely whenever you want to shake or check food. The first time I did it, I suddenly realised just how hot the lid gets, so that’s definitely something to be aware of.
That said, once I got into the rhythm of using it, it became really easy.
The food cooks evenly as long as you use the crisper plates properly. Chips, roasted vegetables, chicken, and frozen snacks all crisped up really well for me, especially foods that normally go soggy when reheated in the microwave.
One feature I genuinely ended up loving was the ReCrisp function. Leftover pizza, chips, and even fried rice came back to life properly instead of turning chewy or dried out. A lot of other users seem to say exactly the same thing online too.
I also found it quieter than I expected. It’s definitely not silent, but no louder than my fan oven, and much less intrusive than some older air fryers I’ve owned.
The Glass Containers Are Genuinely the Standout Feature
The glass cooking containers are probably the biggest reason people are interested in the Ninja Crispi, and I completely understand why.
A lot of people are becoming more conscious about non-stick coatings and PFAS chemicals in cookware, so having glass containers instead of traditional coated baskets feels reassuring. Ninja says the Crispi containers are PFAS-free, with nano-ceramic coated crisper plates instead. You can read more about PFAS and cookware safety from the Food Standards Agency.
For me, though, the biggest benefit was honestly how practical they are.
Being able to cook something, pop a lid on it, stick leftovers in the fridge, then reheat it later in the same container makes everyday cooking feel much easier. It also cuts down on washing up, which is always a win in my house.
Cleaning is genuinely simple too. The containers go straight in the dishwasher, and because they’re glass, they don’t seem to hold onto greasy smells or stains the way some air fryer drawers can over time.
The only small downside I noticed was around the edge where the PowerPod connects to the dish. Food splashes can sometimes collect there slightly, so it needs a proper wipe and dry after cooking.
Is the Ninja Crispi Good for Families?
This is probably where you need to be realistic before buying.
If you live alone, cook as a couple, or mainly make quick lunches, snacks, and easy dinners, I honestly think the Ninja Crispi works brilliantly.
If you regularly cook for a larger family though, the standard version may start to feel a bit small. You can absolutely cook family food in it, but you’ll probably need to cook in batches depending on what you’re making.
For me, it feels more like a convenient everyday air fryer rather than a “cook an entire roast dinner for five people” appliance.
A lot of other users online seem to agree that it’s ideal for smaller households, reheating leftovers, and quick meals, rather than for large-family cooking.
What Foods Work Best in the Ninja Crispi?
Based on user experiences, here are some foods that work really well:
- Marinated chicken strips and fish portions
- Potato wedges, chips, and sweet potato fries
- Broccoli and other vegetables
- Frozen snacks like onion rings and nuggets
- Caramelised fruit like bananas
For safe cooking temperatures, the Food Standards Agency recommends that poultry be cooked until steaming hot all the way through, with no pink meat remaining, and that it reaches a core temperature of 70°C for at least two minutes. A simple meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of this.
If you want inspiration for what to cook, try my air fryer sweet potato fries recipe or my air fryer onion bhajis. Both work really nicely in a compact air fryer like the Crispi.
Ninja Crispi vs Ninja Crispi Pro XL: Which Should You Buy?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Ninja Crispi (FN101UK) | Ninja Crispi Pro XL (AS101UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From £149.99 | £249.99 |
| Containers | 1.4L and 3.8L | 2.3L and 5.7L |
| Cooking functions | 4 | 7 |
| Temperature control | Preset only | Full manual, up to 230°C |
| Guarantee | 2 years | 2 years |
If you cook for one or two people and want a compact, easy-to-use appliance with great cleanup, the standard Crispi is a good choice. If you cook for more people, want to bake or dehydrate, or simply want full control over your cooking temperatures, the Pro XL is worth the extra cost.
The Pros and Cons at a Glance
What works well:
- Glass containers look great and let you watch food cook
- No PFAS or plastic touching your food
- Dishwasher-safe containers make cleanup easy
- Compact enough to put in a cupboard
- ReCrisp function is excellent
What to be aware of:
- No manual temperature control on the standard model
- Small capacity for families of four or more
- The PowerPod gets hot and needs careful handling when flipping food
- Cooking times in the recipe booklet can be inconsistent
- Not cheap at full price
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ninja Crispi have temperature control?
The standard Ninja Crispi (FN101UK) uses preset cooking modes only, with no manual temperature adjustment. The Ninja Crispi Pro XL (AS101UK) does have full temperature control, going up to 230°C.
Is the Ninja Crispi dishwasher safe?
Yes. Both the glass containers and crisper plates can go in the dishwasher. The PowerPod should be wiped clean with a damp cloth when cool and should never be submerged in water.
Can I cook a whole chicken in the Ninja Crispi?
According to Ninja UK, the Crispi Pro XL with its 5.7L container can cook a whole 1.2kg chicken. The standard Crispi, which I have, is better suited to chicken portions rather than a whole bird.
Is the Ninja Crispi good for beginners?
Yes. It is straightforward to set up and operate. However, beginners should remember to use the crisper plates for some meals and to shake or flip food during cooking if required for even results.
Where can I buy the Ninja Crispi in the UK?
You can buy it directly from Ninja UK, as well as from major retailers like Amazon, Very and John Lewis. Prices can, of course, vary between retailers, especially during sale periods.
How does the Ninja Crispi compare to a standard drawer air fryer?
A drawer air fryer is generally better for larger portions and allows more hands-off cooking. The Ninja Crispi suits smaller households and wins on design, storage, and the fact that no plastic touches your food. For a family-friendly alternative, have a look at my Swan 11L Duo Layer Air Fryer review.
Should You Buy the Ninja Crispi?
I actually ended up liking the Ninja Crispi more than I expected to.
At first, I wondered whether it was just another social media kitchen gadget that looked good online but wouldn’t really fit into everyday life. But after using it properly, I can absolutely see why people love it.
The glass containers feel more premium than standard air fryer drawers, it’s genuinely easy to clean, and the reheating function alone makes it useful for busy days and leftovers.
That said, I don’t think it’s perfect for everyone.
If you cook for a big family every night or want loads of manual cooking controls, you may prefer a larger dual-drawer air fryer instead. But for smaller households, couples, apartment kitchens, or anyone short on space, it’s a really clever appliance that feels much less bulky and intrusive than most air fryers.
Would I keep using it? Definitely.
Especially for quick lunches, reheating leftovers, crispy potatoes, and those lazy evenings where I really cannot face turning the oven on.
If you are still weighing up your options, my guide to choosing the best air fryer for your family is a good place to start. And once you have your new appliance set up, try the fakeaway KFC recipe as your first proper cook. You will not be disappointed, it is a reader favourite!
