The Ninja Crispi Pro, a six-in-one kitchen appliance, aims to streamline cooking by combining multiple functions into a single unit. A journalist from the Daily Mail put the appliance through its paces to determine if it lives up to its claims and the positive reviews it has garnered.

The Ninja Crispi Pro offers six cooking modes: Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake/Prove, Recrisp, and Dehydrate. It features a 232°C (450°F) adjustable temperature control and a user-friendly interface with buttons for mode, time, and temperature, along with a dial for adjustments. The appliance comes with two dishwasher-safe glass containers—5.7 liters and 2.3 liters—designed for different meal sizes, from single servings to cooking a whole chicken. The glass is thermal shock resistant and free from PFAS, PTFE, and BPA. Each container includes a crisper plate and a silicone lid, allowing for direct transfer from the appliance to the refrigerator.

Initial impressions suggest the Ninja Crispi Pro is relatively compact and simple to set up, despite its multi-functional capabilities. It is available in several colors, including sage green, pink, stone, and cyberspace (navy), in addition to a classic grey. The accompanying manual provides cooking guidelines and a selection of recipes. Early testing included making fajitas, which were cooked thoroughly in approximately 15 minutes on the Air Fry mode, demonstrating the appliance's speed and the visibility provided by the glass containers.

Testing focused on cooking time, ease of use, cleaning, and overall frequency of use to assess its value as a kitchen investment. The reviewer noted that while many foods cook exceptionally well, certain ingredients, like onions, may still be better suited to pan-frying. The appliance's glass containers and crisper plates are designed for straightforward cleaning, reducing the need to wash multiple pots and pans.

Performance in Regular Use

Over several weeks of consistent use, the Ninja Crispi Pro reportedly replaced most conventional cooking methods due to its speed and simplicity. Many meals were prepared in 10-15 minutes. The machine's operation is straightforward, with default time recommendations for each mode often allowing users to simply press start. Meats such as steak, burgers, and sausages were consistently cooked to a golden brown exterior and fully cooked interior. Frozen and homemade chips, as well as chicken, were described as reliably excellent and juicy. The appliance also performed well with breaded chicken, achieving a perfect golden crust.

The appliance is not without limitations. The reviewer noted that cooking overly wet ingredients, such as marinara sauce, or light, grated items like cheese, can lead to messiness due to the convection heat. While the appliance can be used for dishes like lasagna or pasta, some users may prefer traditional methods. The 'Recrisp' mode was highlighted as particularly effective for reheating leftovers, providing results comparable to freshly cooked food without the sogginess often associated with microwave reheating.

Size, Sound, and Cleanup

Compared to other air fryers, the Ninja Crispi Pro is considered relatively compact and fits easily into most kitchens. Its operational noise is described as a loud whooshing sound, similar to a range hood, which continues during the cool-down period until the appliance is switched off. The cleaning process is simplified by the glass container and crisper plate, eliminating the need to clean multiple pots and pans. The included silicone lids allow for easy storage of batch-cooked meals directly in the refrigerator.

Verdict

The reviewer expressed a strong recommendation for the Ninja Crispi Pro, citing its ease of use, simple cleaning, and versatility in preparing a wide range of dishes. Previous hesitations about air fryers, such as size and plastic construction, were addressed by this model. The appliance is praised for ticking all the boxes for a convenient kitchen tool, with the only suggested improvement being a dual-drawer version for increased capacity.

Pros:

  • Aesthetic design available in multiple colors.
  • Glass containers eliminate the use of PFAs.
  • Compact size with easy setup.
  • Simple to clean, involving only the glass bowl and crisp plate.
  • Multi-use functionality suitable for various foods, reheating, and baking.
  • Silicone lids and shock-resistant glass facilitate batch cooking and fridge storage.

Cons:

  • High retail price of $499.99, though often available on sale.
  • Not ideal for all types of frying, particularly for loose ingredients or liquids like onions.
  • The main appliance can be heavy to move.