I Have Tested A Lot Of Air Fryers. This is the one I kept

Air fryer ovens have changed from a passing fad to once-in-a-lifetime kitchen craze. Testing the flashlights it’s more of a lifestyle than a hobby for us — at CNET, we not only love fast countertop ovens, but we’re on a mission to find the best.

Although some models are large and use a budget that did not impress us enough to make it desirable list of best air fryersonly one holds the top position as the best air conditioner. At the top of our list is the glass-bowl steamer from Ninja. It’s as functional as any model we’ve tested, but its unique glass bowl design gives it a real edge over the usual basket-style competition.

After cooking with a Ninja Crispi glass air fryer for nearly two years, we’ve yet to find another that combines ease of use, non-toxic materials and pure cooking ability like this one. Crispi makes air-frying delicious, and glass chambers with tight lids serve as just the container for crispy wings, fries and mushrooms. Plus, the entire unit collapses for easy storage after use — a feature that 99% of other air fryers lack.

Read more: Air Fryer Fails: 8 Foods That Can’t Handle Heat

Here’s why the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer is the best air fryer to buy in 2026.

Ninja Crispi glass air fryer at a glance

• Style: A modular air fryer with two sizes of glass cooking vessels and a different cooking pod in three colors
• Size: 13.5 by 12 by 13.5 inches
• PowerPower: 1,500 watts
• WeightWeight: 15.74 lbs
• Price $180 (currently retails for $160)

Ninja Crispi performance: how different it is

The cooking pod itself includes grilling, baking, air fry and more advanced functions. Crisp is intended for reviving leftovers, while Max Crisp is the perfect setting for frozen meals. Although tempting, considering their baking dishes, TempWare glass dishes are not intended to be used as real dishes for cooking batters in baking mode, because air still needs to circulate under the baking dishes for success. (Would I try anyway? The temptation is real.)

Pressing any button will activate a digital timer, allowing you to add or subtract minutes. (The timer changes to 10.) If the timer is less than 1 minute, it changes to seconds, and the device beeps to alert you when the cycle is complete. Overall, the noise level of the Ninja Crispi was similar to that of conventional air fryer models, with moderate noise during operation.

4 reasons to love the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer

1. I can check the progress of my food without losing heat

As expected, the ability to see the cooking in progress was really satisfying, from a non-obtrusive point of view and as a way to look for visual cues to decide when to turn things around or check the offering. The chicken portions and Brussels sprouts are cooked evenly and efficiently, with little risk of overcooking, given the 360-degree view in the process.

Because I can track the progress without opening the basket or stopping the machine, the food cooks faster. Who doesn’t like that?

2. Glass containers are non-toxic and easy to clean

Most air fryers use aluminum cooking baskets with a nonstick coating. Those with glass tend to break and shatter if you’re not careful. Many people are concerned about the health effects of ingesting volatile chemicals from cookware. With a glass-bowl air fryer, no worries.

If that’s not enough, glass is much easier to deep clean than non-hard surfaces and you can use the dishwasher without removing it.

3. Glass containers double as food storage containers

The versatility, however, makes Ninja Crispi very attractive, especially for active food preppers. Complete meals or individually cooked portions can be stored directly in the cooking system in the refrigerator, thanks to the included lids for easy storage. (Though I’m too tight-lipped about refrigeration to tell you to let everything cool first, so you don’t raise the temperature inside your fridge.)

More cooking utensils in various sizes that can be purchased separately, allowing the preparation of many individual cooked meals without the necessary cleaning between uses: simply transfer the cooking pod from one cooking vessel to the next, assembly line style. Preparing a Sunday meal has never been easier, even if it requires a few dishes.

4. Collapses for easy storage

The Ninja Crispi is also easy to store, with a footprint and a much smaller height than most standard models. And it’s portable — perfect for a potluck or even a hot take-out — and you can even justify cooking on site. Some of the cooking utensils or the cooking pod can easily fit in the shoulder bag. If I worked in an office, I would be happy to bring everything in for a hot, healthy lunch without reheating. Even if you’re thinking of being the type to cook fish right at your table — maybe don’t.

Not only can the large 4-quart vessel be used directly as a family-style serving vessel — its practical feet obviate the need for a trivet or pot holder — but one might argue that the smaller 4-cup vessel can be used directly for food, greatly reducing the number of dishes to be washed. Speaking of washing, everything except the cooking pod itself is dishwasher-safe.

Setting up Ninja Crispi

Although not like a regular air fryer, the Ninja Crispi was intuitive to set up and use. Each glass cookware has a built-in stand with feet that keep it off the counter. Side handles are also included in the bowls, allowing easy movement between the counter and the table (as the bowls can also be used for serving) and making it easy to move the contents as needed during cooking.

The nonstick crisper plates are individually packaged and easy to place in containers and remove for cleaning. Lids for 6-cup and 4-quart containers were also included: a quick-release lid for the small ones and an easy-to-press lid for the large ones.

The cooking pod has an ergonomic shape for easy lifting and includes feet for secure placement on the counter when not in use. The cooking pod sits easily on top of a 6-cup bowl, and the large bulk adapter frame fits the cooking pod in a large bowl. Between unpacking and washing all the washable parts, I was ready to go in about 2 minutes.

What I didn’t like about Ninja Crispi

As a versatile device with many built-in features and flexibility, the Ninja Crispi is a game changer in the fryer market. That said, at $160, it’s on the more expensive side of an air fryer.

Those with small children in the house may also want to be aware that when the cooking pod is used with the adapter for large batches, the adapter can get hot and can expose them when the heating pod is removed. Don’t worry little ones; if you are a clumsy cook, it can be dangerous.

Read more: 8 Foods From Good to Great in the Air Fryer

Final verdict on Ninja Crispi

If you are a student of air fryer cooking and, especially if you are very committed to food preparation, Ninja Crispy it is undoubtedly one of the most versatile models on the market. It is satisfying to use, and easy to maintain and clean. You might want to look for it on sale during Big Day or a similar event, but even without the discount, its utility and Ninja brand reputation justify its price tag.