Our Verdict

Design and Build Quality: Portable, Practical, and Premium

Looking at the specs, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Ninja Crispi Portable Cooking System FN101GD was just a travel gadget. It’s anything but. The system centers on the Crispi PowerPod—weighing just under 4 lbs, this palm-sized powerhouse cranks out 1500W (on par with many full-size air fryers), according to the manufacturer. Both included containers are made of borosilicate glass, not the flimsy stuff seen on some competitors. This means they’re thermally shock-resistant—several buyers mentioned moving dishes right from the freezer to air fryer mode without any cracks or mishaps. One Amazon reviewer highlighted freezing homemade lasagna in the container, then crisping it up straight from frozen. No drama. No breakage.

This system’s modular design is another standout. Everything nests tightly for storage; even the crisper plates and power pod stack together inside the bowls—with snap-lock lids sealing out spills. The fixed heat-safe feet were a huge plus for safety: multiple 5-star reviews mention using it directly on quartz, marble, or even wood counters without risk of scorching surfaces. Several college students confirmed it tucks into dorm cabinets or backpacks for easy transport.

Features & Functionality: More Than Just a Mini Air Fryer

While the Ninja air fryer brand is well known for kitchen workhorses, the Crispi’s 4-in-1 feature set sets it apart—Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp, all handled by a surprisingly intuitive plug-in PowerPod. Meal size flexibility is excellent: the 6-cup container tackles single-servings or snacks in minutes (Amazon buyers repeatedly mentioned 7-minute meals), while the 4-Quart bowl can fit a whole 4lb chicken with room for veggies or enough air fryer chicken wings for a hungry crowd. The inclusion of two microwave/freezer/dishwasher-safe glass containers offers unique advantages over competitors like the Gourmia air fryer or even other compact models: less plastic, more confidence going from cook to storage (and vice versa) with no chemical leaching.

Other signature touches: Leak-proof snap-lock lids make this a hit for meal preppers or anyone taking leftovers on the go. No need to dirty another dish. Easy cleanup is a real draw; everything except the PowerPod is dishwasher-ready. One verified purchaser called it “the easiest cleanup of any air fryer I’ve ever used.” And if you’re still wondering, multiple reviews addressed the classic question, “can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer like this?”—yes, the Ninja Crispi accommodates foil, just like most air fryers, but always check your manual for guidelines on safe placement (especially around crisper plates).

Performance: Real-World Results from Amazon Buyers

With an average rating of 4.6/5, the consensus is clear: this little powerhouse punches above its size class. Many Amazon reviews reference “consistent, restaurant-style crispiness”—whether they’re cooking air fryer chicken thighs, fries, or frozen snacks. Several buyers called out surprisingly fast cook times for single portions, with a few noting the 7-minute dinner claim is legit (especially for thinner cuts and veggies). One reviewer specifically mentioned how the system tackled air fryer chicken breast at 400 degrees in about 15-18 minutes, citing juicy results without additional oil. (And if you’re asking, “how long to cook chicken breast in air fryer at 400?”, user feedback suggests 15-18 minutes for an average, boneless piece.)

A standout scenario: a verified buyer living in an RV praised the Ninja Crispi for being space-efficient and able to handle enough food for two adults without hogging electrical power. Another parent mentioned it as a “lifesaver” for prepping after-school snacks—”It’s so fast, the kids can toss in wings or nuggets, and cleanup is done in a minute.” Few users complained about noise or uneven heat; most reviews cite evenly cooked food and crisp textures with little to no preheating time.

That said, some buyers did wish the power cord was longer, and a small subset would have preferred a larger main container (though, by design, portability is the focus). Multiple reviews compared it favorably to full-size air fryers, saying the Ninja delivered similar results in smaller batches without cluttering the counter.

Value for Money: How Does It Stack Up?

At $139 retail, the Ninja Crispi lands at the mid-to-high end for portable air fryers—especially when compared with alternatives like the Gourmia air fryer (known for barebones value under $100) or Ninja’s own legacy AF100. But here’s the kicker: Unlike standard air fryers, you’re buying a modular system with durable glassware, snap-lock lids, and storage flexibility. One 5-star review actually justified the price purely on the quality of the glass bowls and the convenience of leak-proof storage, noting that similar standalone containers and lids can easily cost $30-50.

If you need to cook big family meals daily, you might find better value in a traditional, larger-capacity air fryer. However, for busy singles, couples, or on-the-go cooks, the ability to prep, store, reheat, and cook—sometimes all in the same bowl—saves both time and cabinets. The dishwasher-safe build gets repeated praise in the feedback, and the included crisper plates (often upsold with competitors) offer true multi-use flexibility.

To sum it up: Yes, competitors may be cheaper, and some have a larger single-batch capacity. But if you value portability, real glass construction, and true one-pot convenience, the Ninja Crispi holds its own. Several reviewers even went so far as to say it’s “the best air fryer” they’ve owned, especially for solo living or meal prepping. As one top-rated review put it: “Everything about this is slick—from cooking to cleanup to storage. If you want all of that, it’s worth the price.”

FAQs: Addressing Common Buyer Questions

• Can you put foil in an air fryer like this? Yes — as with most air fryers, it’s safe for foil, but avoid blocking airflow or covering heating elements.
• How long to cook chicken breast in air fryer at 400? According to Amazon buyers, 15-18 minutes for an average boneless breast works well—always check internal temp for safety.
• Dishwasher safe? Containers, crisper plates, and lids are all top-rack friendly—owners love how cleanup takes just a few minutes.
• Easy to store? Yes, the entire system nests—Amazon reviewers consistently praise how little space it occupies, even in tiny kitchens.
• Glassware durability? Multiple verified buyers have used it from freezer to oven with no cracking—borosilicate glass is a major plus.

Ready to Buy?

Based on our comprehensive analysis, Ninja | Air Fryer | Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Cooking System | 4QT & 6 Cup Glass Containers, Crisper Plates & Storage Lids Included | Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe | Ginger Snap | FN101GD offers excellent value.

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon