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Is the Ninja Crispi Pro the End of “Toxic” Air Fryers?
We need to talk about the elephant in the kitchen: peeling non-stick coating. If you have owned an air fryer for more than a year, you have likely stared at the bottom of the basket and wondered, “Where did that flake of Teflon go?” For health-conscious home cooks, this anxiety has sparked a massive demand for glass and stainless steel alternatives.
Ninja, arguably the king of countertop appliances, has finally answered the call with the Ninja Crispi Pro (AS101DG). It is a radical departure from the standard “plastic bucket” design. Instead of a drawer, you get a modular glass system that cooks, serves, stores, and reheats—all in the same vessel.
It promises to be the ultimate meal prep machine, capable of going from the freezer directly to 400°F heat without shattering. But is a glass air fryer actually practical, or is it just a heavy, breakable gimmick? We put the Crispi Pro through its paces to find out.
Key Features: Why Glass Changes Everything
The Crispi Pro isn’t just an air fryer; it looks more like a high-tech science experiment sitting on your counter. Here is why the design matters.
1. The “CleanCrisp” Glassware
The heart of this system is the vessel itself. Ninja uses specially engineered thick glass that is thermal shock resistant. This is crucial. It means you can prep a lasagna in the glass bowl, freeze it, and then pop the frozen bowl directly into the fryer unit to cook. No thawing required, and no shattered glass. Plus, it is completely free of PFAS, Teflon, and other chemicals.
2. Modular Powerhead Design
Unlike a drawer fryer where the heating element is hidden inside a box, the Crispi Pro uses a “Powerhead”—a lid that contains the fan and heater. This lid sits on top of either the large 6-quart bowl or the smaller 2.5-quart bowl. This modularity is brilliant; you effectively get two air fryers in one box.
3. The Meal Prep Ecosystem
This unit is designed for the “Cook Once, Eat Twice” crowd. It comes with high-quality, leakproof storage lids. You can roast a chicken in the 6qt bowl for dinner, snap a lid on the leftovers, and put the whole thing in the fridge. The next day, you take the lid off, put the Powerhead back on, and use the “Recrisp” function.
4. 360° Visibility
One of the biggest frustrations with air frying is guessing if your food is burning. With the Crispi, you have a 360-degree view. You can watch your cheese bubble and your crust brown from every angle without ever opening the lid and letting the heat out.
Hands-On Experience: A New Way to Cook
Switching from a basket fryer to the Crispi requires a slight mental adjustment, but the benefits become obvious very quickly.
The “Freezer-to-Fryer” Test
We tested the thermal shock claim by freezing a batch of marinated chicken wings in the 2.5qt bowl overnight. The next day, we took the rock-hard frozen bowl, placed it on the base, and set the Powerhead to “Max Crisp.” The unit handled it flawlessly. The chicken cooked evenly, and the glass showed no signs of stress. This is a massive time-saver for busy weeknights.
Performance: The 1800W Engine
Despite the glass barrier, the 1800-watt motor is aggressive. The “Max Crisp” mode delivers that signature Ninja crunch. Because the heat source is directly on top, it acts almost like a broiler. We found that french fries needed a toss halfway through (which is harder to do in a heavy glass bowl than a light plastic basket), but the browning was superior to many standard fryers.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is where the Crispi wins hands down. The glass bowls go straight into the dishwasher. There is no non-stick coating to scratch or peel. If you burn cheese onto the glass, you can scrub it with steel wool if you really have to (though soaking usually works). It feels infinitely more hygienic than a greasy plastic drawer.
The Weight Factor
It is worth noting: this appliance is heavy. The glass bowls are thick and substantial. If you have wrist issues or arthritis, lifting the 6-quart bowl when it’s full of food might be a challenge compared to a lightweight aluminum basket.
Pros and Cons
| What We Love | What Could Be Better |
|---|---|
| Non-Toxic Peace of Mind: No Teflon, PFOA, or peeling plastic. Just pure glass. | Weight: The glass bowls are heavy, making “tossing” fries difficult. |
| Meal Prep Workflow: Cook, Serve, Store, and Reheat in the same container. Less dishes! | Hot Surfaces: The glass gets extremely hot. You must use the base and be careful. |
| Visibility: Watching your food cook prevents burning and is oddly satisfying. | Footprint: The modular pieces (bowls, lids, base, head) take up storage space. |
| Versatility: It replaces a casserole dish, a microwave (for reheating), and a fryer. | Price: It is a premium system compared to basic basket fryers. |
Comparison: Ninja Crispi vs. The World
Is glass better than the standard basket?
| Feature | Ninja Crispi Pro (Main) | Cosori TurboBlaze (Standard) | Fritaire (Glass Competitor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 💎 Tempered Glass | ⚫ Non-Stick Metal | 💎 Glass Bowl |
| Storage | ✅ Lids Included | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Freezer Safe | ❄️ Yes (Thermal Shock Resistant) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Dishwasher Safe | ✅ Yes (Glass + Plates) | ✅ Yes (Basket) | ⚠️ Hand Wash Rec. |
| Cooking Style | 🔥 Top-Down Powerhead | 🌀 Drawer Convection | 🌀 Halogen/Tumbler |
Verdict: The Future of Healthy Air Frying
The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer is a standout product in a saturated market. It solves the two biggest complaints people have with air fryers: chemical coatings and the inability to see the food.
You should buy this if:
- You are strictly avoiding Teflon/PFAS in your kitchen.
- You love meal prepping and want to minimize dirty dishes.
- You want an appliance that looks premium and modern on the counter.
Skip this if:
- You have difficulty lifting heavy objects (the glass is substantial).
- You just want the absolute cheapest way to heat up frozen nuggets.
For families who cook from scratch and care about materials, the Crispi Pro is the best air fryer investment you can make in 2025.
