The Curator: I tried the Ninja Crispi microwave and air fryer—is it worth replacing two appliances?

When the kitchen appliance market promises to combine the speed of a microwave with the crisp finish of an air fryer, the claim invites both curiosity and scepticism. The Ninja Crispi Microwave, which merges a 1,000‑watt microwave with a 1,700‑watt air‑fry unit, aims to deliver exactly that. In a recent hands‑on review for Global News Canada, the product was put through a series of everyday cooking tasks to see whether the dual‑function promise translates into genuine kitchen value or merely adds another bulky gadget to an already crowded countertop.

Understanding the FusionCrisp concept

The centerpiece of the Ninja Crispi is the FusionCrisp function. According to the review, FusionCrisp first uses microwave power to heat food quickly, then switches to circulating hot air to add colour and crunch. This two‑stage process is designed to address a common complaint: microwave‑reheated meals often lack texture, leaving pizza soggy or fries limp. By pairing rapid heating with a brief air‑fry finish, the appliance seeks to deliver a meal that is both hot and crisp without the need to move food between separate devices.

The reviewer notes that the concept works best for foods that are already edible after microwaving but benefit from a crispy exterior – pizza, roasted potatoes, chicken, fries and similar leftovers. The promise is that the same appliance can handle reheating, frozen meals and small‑batch cooking for one or two people, all while keeping the cooking vessel contained within a single glass container.

Design and practical ergonomics

One of the most tangible differences highlighted in the test is the use of a glass cooking vessel rather than a traditional metal air‑fry basket. The glass container serves as both the microwave‑safe plate and the air‑fry tray, allowing users to cook, crisp and serve without transferring food to another pan. This design is praised for its convenience, especially when dealing with messy or greasy foods, because the glass is dishwasher‑safe.

However, the glass vessel also introduces a trade‑off. Its substantial size and weight make it feel heavier than a typical microwave‑safe plate, and the appliance itself occupies a "meaningful amount of counter space." The reviewer advises measuring kitchen real estate and checking for adequate ventilation clearance before committing to the unit.

Performance across cooking modes

The Ninja Crispi offers a range of dedicated settings – popcorn, potatoes, frozen dinners, soup, vegetables – alongside air‑fry functions labelled Air Fry, Max Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake and Air Broil. In practice, the reviewer found the device capable of handling a variety of tasks without the need for separate appliances. For instance, reheating a slice of pizza and then applying the Max Crisp mode produced a result that retained the familiar microwave speed while delivering a noticeably crisper crust.

Cooking times, as expected, vary based on the food type, quantity and starting temperature. The reviewer does not provide exact timings but stresses that the FusionCrisp function bridges the gap between quick heating and achieving a desirable texture, reducing the need to wait for a conventional oven to preheat for small portions.

Counter‑space considerations

Space constraints are a recurring theme in the assessment. While the 2‑in‑1 concept promises to replace two separate appliances, the Ninja Crispi itself is not a compact unit. Its footprint demands careful placement on a countertop, and users must also allow for ventilation clearance around the device. The reviewer suggests that potential buyers weigh the benefit of eliminating a separate microwave and air fryer against the physical presence of a larger, heavier appliance.

For households where kitchen real estate is at a premium – such as many apartments in major Canadian cities – this trade‑off becomes a critical factor. The decision may hinge on whether the current microwave or air fryer is underutilised, or whether the combined functionality justifies the additional space taken up by the Crispi.

Target audience and use cases

The review identifies several scenarios where the Ninja Crispi could be particularly advantageous. First, for individuals who regularly reheat leftovers but are dissatisfied with the soggy texture that microwaves often produce. Second, for those who frequently prepare single‑serve or small‑batch meals, where the long preheat time of a conventional oven feels inefficient. Third, for consumers looking to streamline their countertop appliances without sacrificing the ability to achieve a crispy finish on foods like fries or chicken.

Conversely, the reviewer cautions that the device may not be the best fit for households that already own a high‑performing microwave and a separate air fryer that meet their needs. In such cases, the added cost and space requirement may outweigh the convenience of a combined unit.

Overall verdict and consumer guidance

Summarising the hands‑on experience, the reviewer concludes that the Ninja Crispi Microwave is more than a novelty; its FusionCrisp technology genuinely integrates microwave and air‑fry functions in a way that can improve everyday cooking outcomes. The appliance is described as "not just an air fryer with a microwave tacked on," but rather a thoughtfully engineered system that can replace two competing devices for the right user.

Potential buyers are advised to assess their current kitchen setup, consider the types of meals they prepare most often, and evaluate whether the Crispi’s speed and crispiness align with their cooking habits. If the answer is yes, the unit may earn its place on the countertop; if not, the traditional duo of separate microwave and air fryer may remain the more sensible choice.

Implications for Canadian kitchens

In a broader context, the Ninja Crispi reflects a growing trend toward multifunctional kitchen appliances that aim to maximise utility while minimising space – a development particularly relevant to Canadian households facing rising housing costs and smaller living spaces. As more manufacturers introduce hybrid devices, consumers will need clear, evidence‑based reviews like this one to navigate claims of convenience against practical realities.

For now, the Crispi stands as a well‑executed example of this trend, offering a tangible solution for those seeking faster, crisper meals without the need to juggle multiple gadgets. Its success in Canadian kitchens will ultimately depend on how well it balances performance, size and price against the everyday demands of cooking for families, singles and everything in between.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Global News Canada; globalnews.ca; Global1.News (14 November 2026).

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer