Ninja has long been a dominant force in the countertop appliance market, with products ranging from ice cream makers to double-decker toaster ovens. The company’s latest addition, the Ninja Crispi Microwave, marks its first foray into microwave ovens, but with a twist: it also functions as an air fryer. This hybrid appliance promises to solve one of the most persistent kitchen frustrations: reheating pizza without turning it into a sad, soggy mess. Instead of relying solely on microwaves—which can leave food limp and wet—the Crispi Microwave allows users to finish the heating process with superheated air, delivering a crispy exterior while keeping the interior warm and tender.
The device is available from SharkNinja’s online store starting today for $449. It comes with a suite of standard microwave presets, including popcorn, defrost, frozen dinner, and a butter-softening setting. But the real innovation lies in its dual-mode capability: after microwaving, users can switch to air fryer mode, which heats air up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high-temperature air circulates around the food, creating a golden, crunchy crust—ideal for pizza, fried chicken, or any leftovers that benefit from a crisp finish.
Flatbed design: more space, easier cleaning
Unlike traditional microwaves that rely on a rotating turntable, the Crispi Microwave uses a flatbed design. Ninja claims this provides 40 percent more usable cooking surface, allowing users to place two bags of popcorn inside simultaneously or heat four bowls of food at once. The flat interior also simplifies cleanup, as there are no rotating glass plates or plastic rings to remove and scrub. This design choice reflects a broader industry trend toward turntable-free microwaves, which offer greater flexibility for odd-shaped containers and larger dishes.
The microwave operates at 1,000 watts, putting it in the mid-to-high power range for household models. While not the most powerful on the market, it is sufficient for most reheating and cooking tasks. The air fryer mode, however, relies on a separate heating element and a fan to generate the high-velocity hot air needed for crisping. To ensure even airflow, Ninja provides a 5.5-quart glass container with a perforated insert that lifts food off the bottom. This container is large enough to hold an 8-pound chicken, according to the company, and comes with two lids: one for storage and another with a vent for steaming vegetables.
Presets and versatility
The Crispi Microwave includes a variety of presets for both microwave and air fryer modes. In air fryer mode, users can choose from air bake, max crisp, and air broil settings, each optimized for different types of food. The microwave mode offers presets for popcorn, defrost, frozen dinner, and softening butter. These presets simplify operation, allowing users to select the type of food they are reheating and let the appliance adjust time and power automatically. For more experienced cooks, manual controls are also available.
One of the key selling points is the ability to combine both cooking methods in a single cycle. For example, a user could reheat leftover pizza using the microwave setting to warm the cheese and toppings, then immediately switch to air fryer mode to crisp the crust. This two-step process eliminates the need to transfer food to a separate air fryer or oven, saving time and reducing mess. Ninja claims the appliance can replace both a microwave and an air fryer, freeing up valuable counter space in crowded kitchens.
Background: the rise of microwave-air fryer combos
The Ninja Crispi Microwave enters a market already populated by a few similar hybrid devices, though they remain relatively niche. Brands like Toshiba, Panasonic, and Breville have released combination microwave-convection ovens that can bake, roast, and air fry, but these are often more expensive and larger. Ninja’s offering is priced competitively at $449, undercutting many premium combos while still offering the convenience of air frying. The company’s strong brand recognition and extensive distribution network could help popularize this category among mainstream consumers.
The concept of combining microwave and air fryer functions is appealing because it addresses the fundamental limitation of microwaves: their inability to brown or crisp food. Microwaves heat food by exciting water molecules, which can cause steam and moisture to build up, resulting in a soft or soggy texture. Air fryers, on the other hand, use rapid air circulation to mimic deep frying, creating a crispy outer layer. By integrating both technologies, the Crispi Microwave offers the speed of a microwave with the texture-enhancing benefits of an air fryer.
For pizza lovers, this is a game-changer. Reheating pizza in a microwave often leads to a limp, rubbery crust, while using an oven takes too long and can dry out the toppings. The Crispi Microwave’s dual-mode approach provides a quick solution that preserves the pizza’s original texture. Similarly, leftover fried foods like chicken wings or french fries can be revived to near-fresh crispiness without the need for additional oil.
Design and accessories
The appliance’s exterior features a sleek, modern aesthetic common to Ninja products, with a black finish and a digital display. The control panel includes buttons for presets, a timer, and a start/stop function. The interior is equipped with LED lighting to monitor cooking progress. The included accessories—a glass container, an insert, and two lids—are designed for easy cleaning and versatility. The glass container is microwave-safe and can be used for both microwave and air fryer modes, while the insert ensures proper air circulation beneath food. The storage lid makes it convenient to keep leftovers in the container and reheat them later without transferring to another dish.
Ninja also highlights the flatbed design’s advantages for large or multiple items. Unlike turntable microwaves, where the rotating plate can limit placement options, the Crispi Microwave allows users to position dishes anywhere on the flat surface. This flexibility is particularly useful for oblong containers or baking sheets that would not fit on a turntable. Additionally, the flat interior reduces the risk of spills and makes wiping up messes easier.
Pricing and availability
The Ninja Crispi Microwave is available now exclusively through SharkNinja’s online store at $449. It comes with a standard one-year warranty. While direct competitors like the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 or the Panasonic Genius Prestige sink into higher price brackets—often $300 to $600 or more—Ninja’s price point positions it as a mid-range option. The company has not yet confirmed whether the appliance will be sold through other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Target, but given Ninja’s widespread retail presence, it is likely to appear on those channels in the coming months.
Ninja’s marketing emphasizes the appliance’s ability to replace two devices, which could appeal to apartment dwellers, students, or anyone with limited kitchen space. The promise of non-soggy leftovers is a strong hook, particularly for households that frequently reheat pizza or fried foods. However, potential buyers should note that the air fryer mode’s performance may not match that of a dedicated air fryer, which typically offers higher wattage and larger capacities. The 5.5-quart glass container is smaller than many standalone air fryer baskets, which can hold up to 10 quarts or more.
The broader context of kitchen appliances
Ninja’s entry into the microwave market comes at a time when the kitchen appliance industry is increasingly focused on multifunction devices. Consumers are seeking ways to simplify their kitchens, reduce clutter, and save money by buying one gadget that does the work of several. Combinations like microwave-air fryer, toaster oven-air fryer, and pressure cooker-slow cooker are becoming common. Ninja itself has previously released the Foodi series, which includes pressure cookers that also air fry and bake. The Crispi Microwave extends this philosophy to the microwave category.
The history of microwave ovens dates back to the 1940s, but their ability to brown or crisp food has always been limited. Convection microwaves, which add a fan for hot air circulation, emerged in the 1990s but never achieved mass adoption due to higher costs and complexity. Air fryers exploded in popularity around 2010, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. By merging these two technologies, the Crispi Microwave aims to tap into the growing demand for convenience and healthier cooking methods.
Another factor driving interest in such hybrid devices is the rise of home cooking during and after the pandemic. Many people became more interested in meal prepping and reheating leftovers efficiently. The Crispi Microwave’s ability to quickly restore texture to pre-cooked foods aligns with these habits. Additionally, the appliance’s flatbed design and self-cleaning features reduce maintenance, making it more user-friendly for busy households.
Potential drawbacks and considerations
While the Ninja Crispi Microwave offers many benefits, it is not without limitations. The combination of two cooking modes in one appliance means that neither function may perform as well as a dedicated unit. Dedicated microwave ovens with similar wattage and flatbed designs can often be purchased for under $150, and standalone air fryers with larger capacities cost between $50 and $200. The Crispi Microwave’s $449 price tag represents a premium over buying two separate appliances, though the convenience of a single footprint may justify the cost for some users.
Another potential issue is the learning curve associated with using both modes in sequence. Users may need to experiment with timing and temperature settings to achieve optimal results for different foods. The presets simplify this process, but they may not cover every scenario. Additionally, the appliance’s dimensions (not yet published) could be a concern for those with limited counter space, especially since it needs to accommodate both microwave and air fryer components.
Finally, the glass container, while versatile, is heavy and may be cumbersome to handle when full. The vented lid for steaming adds another accessory to store. Ninja has included a storage lid, but overall, the appliance calls for careful organization of its parts.
Despite these considerations, the Ninja Crispi Microwave represents a promising innovation for anyone tired of soggy reheated pizza. Its combination of speed, versatility, and texture-improving capabilities could make it a popular addition to the modern kitchen. As more consumers seek multifunctional solutions, hybrid appliances like this one are likely to become more common, pushing the boundaries of what a simple microwave can do.
For now, the Crispi Microwave is a niche product that targets a specific pain point. Whether it achieves mainstream success will depend on how well it delivers on its promises of crispiness and convenience. Early adopters can order it today and test its ability to rescue leftover pizza—and other foods—from the dreaded soggy fate.
Source: The Verge News