Ninja releases its first microwave with a built-in air fryer system for $449.99

Ninja's first combined device

Ninja, a company known for kitchen appliances, has released a microwave oven for the first time — and immediately in combination with an air fryer. The Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer model costs $449.99 and combines a 1000-watt microwave with a 1700-watt air fryer system. Both functions are based on the proprietary FusionCrisp technology, which, according to the manufacturer's design, combines the speed of microwave heating with the crispy crust characteristic of an air fryer. TechCrunch writes about this in its review of the device.

How the device differs from ordinary combo ovens

Microwave and air fryer combinations are nothing new on the market: similar solutions have already been offered, for example, by Smeg, and many modern microwaves have additional cooking modes. According to TechCrunch, the difference with the Crispi is that FusionCrisp combines both cooking methods in a single process, rather than simply offering two separate functions. The package includes a 5.5-quart glass dish and a non-stick rack for a crispy crust, which is placed on top when using the air fryer. There is no rotating plate inside, which frees up space and allows more dishes to be cooked at once. The author of the review gives an example: when making a pasta casserole, the microwave cooks the pasta itself while the air fryer browns the cheese on top.

Limitations: price and size

TechCrunch notes two practical drawbacks. First, the dimensions of 20.3 x 17.56 x 14.1 inches make the device far from compact: it takes up a noticeable part of the countertop, so it is not necessarily suitable for a small kitchen — although replacing a separate microwave and a separate air fryer with it can free up space. Second, the price of $449.99 is noticeably higher than basic microwaves, which handle everyday reheating for a small fraction of that amount. According to the review's conclusion, the purchase makes sense primarily for those who regularly use both a microwave and an air fryer. The specifications and price match the data on Ninja's official product page.