Ninja’s first microwave, the Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer, combines two kitchen appliances in a single device. The company says it is designed to speed up everyday cooking, restore crispness to leftovers and potentially reduce the amount of counter space used by separate appliances.
The appliance costs $449.99, placing it well above the price of a basic microwave. It includes a 1,000W microwave and a 1,700W air fryer system, brought together through Ninja’s FusionCrisp technology. The system is intended to combine the speed of microwave cooking with the golden, crisp finish associated with air frying.
That combination is aimed at foods such as leftover pizza, chicken tenders and fries, which can become soft when reheated in a conventional microwave. Ninja’s approach is designed to heat food on the inside while crisping the exterior, avoiding a choice between speed and texture.
The Crispi Microwave includes a 5.5-quart glass cooking dish and a nonstick crisper plate for air-frying and browning. Unlike many microwaves, it does not use a rotating plate, leaving more usable interior space for cooking larger or multiple dishes.
The appliance can also combine both cooking methods in a single recipe. For example, the microwave can cook the pasta in a pasta bake while the air fryer crisps the cheese on top.
Microwave and air fryer combinations already exist, but Ninja’s FusionCrisp system is positioned as an integrated approach rather than simply placing two separate functions in the same appliance.
The main drawbacks are its size and price. Measuring 20.3 by 17.56 by 14.1 inches, the appliance takes up a considerable amount of counter space. It may replace a separate microwave and air fryer, but it is not necessarily a space-saving option for a small kitchen. At $449.99, it is also a significant purchase compared with a conventional microwave, although the combination may appeal to people who regularly use both appliances.
Sources: TechCrunch.