As eccentric as I am, I will admit that I rarely get excited about microwaves. Why would I? They are some of the most mundane appliances in any kitchen. That said, there is a first time for everything.
Ninja's new CRISPi Microwave with Air Fryer has immediately piqued my interest. In a first, the appliances giant has combined two of the bulkiest countertop appliances into one, helping to save precious counter space in small kitchens while doubling the usefulness.
With the new FusionCrisp function and a PFAS-free interior, it combines everything I love about the best non-toxic air fryers with the practicality of a regular microwave. I am genuinely excited to give it a go.
Not only is this Ninja's first ever microwave, but it is one of the first to combine a microwave and an air fryer into one appliance. It is the perfect multi-functional space-saving solution for smaller kitchens.
It is available in the US from today, and the UK in the coming months.
We have tried and loved both the original Ninja CRISPi Air Fryer and the Ninja CRISPi Pro, and have consistently rated them one of the best glass basket air fryers money can buy. They crisp food quickly and evenly without the risk of PFAS and BPA contaminating food. So, to hear that these features are coming to the microwave can mean only good things.
The CRISPi Microwave uses FusionCrisp Technology, starting the programme with traditional microwaving before finishing with air frying, so you do not need to trade texture for speed, and you'll no longer have to suffer through soggy reheated leftovers for lunch each day, either.
This has the added benefit of being able to cook food in around half the time as a conventional wall oven.
To earn its status as one of the best non-toxic kitchen appliances, the beloved glassware is included, with a PFAS-free crisper tray for the same performance as the best air fryers, albeit in a less conventional shape. The 5.5-quart basket is large enough to hold an eight-pound chicken, four pizza slices, or a 9x11 casserole (enough to feed eight to 10 people).
All in all, it comes with eight microwave presets, including popcorn, potato, defrost, beverage, soup, frozen dinner, frozen vegetables, and soften butter (a setting a lot of us forgetful bakers will greatly appreciate). Add to your traditional air fryer settings, and you have a 14-in-1 essential. It is not the smallest appliance at 16"L x 19.6"W x 14"H, however, when you consider that it takes the place of two, it helps to free up counter and cabinet space.
As someone with a small kitchen, where counterspace comes at a premium, I am excited to put this to the test. I will be sure to report back when I do.
What Else to Shop
From air fryers to cookware, these are the essentials I recommend time and time again to create a non-toxic home and upgrade to a health-conscious kitchen.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
We love the original 6-in-1 Crispi air fryer, especially in the new seasonal Butter Yellow and Rose Quartz colorways. It offers extra large frying space with a single basket, ideal for whole chickens and roasts.
Available in Vista Green (pictured), Cyberspace Grey, Bone White, and Rose Quartz Pink, this dual-zone air fryer takes all of our favorite things from the original Ninja Crispi and makes it bigger, offering double the cooking space without toxic coatings.
Traditional aerosol oils contain additives to keep them thin enough to spray into cookware, however these additives can stick, burn, and become sticky over time. These refillable oil spray bottles can be used with standard vegetable oil, making air fryer cooking convenient without the added chemicals.
Approved by the Environmental Working Group as non-toxic, this gentle dish soap is perfect for caring for delicate pans without the risk of toxic residue.
Silicone tools have become my go-to, being easier to maintain than wood and safe for all cookware. This Bella set features everything you need from flipping to stirring, and comes in a compact crock for easy counter storage.
For the ultimate upgrade, consider Made In's Curated Kitchen Set. The bundle contains everything you need to reset your kitchen and detoxify your cooking routine, with stainless steel and CeramiClad pans, ceramic baking dishes, and stainless steel utensils. Made In has several smaller non-toxic sets and individual pans, too, if you do not need a full overhaul.
Despite its different shape, it is still possible to make the same air fryer mistakes with this microwave combo. Brush up on them ahead of time to avoid poor results.
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