Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer Review: The Portable Powerhouse with a Few Quirks

In our test kitchen, and indeed in my own home, countertop real estate is a finite and fiercely contested resource. For years, the trade-off has been a constant battle: convenience versus space. Do you keep the bulky air fryer out, accepting its footprint, or stow it away, only to be deterred by the hassle of retrieving it for a quick meal? We’ve all been there—choosing to fire up the massive conventional oven for a small batch of chips or a couple of chicken breasts simply because it was easier than wrestling with an appliance. This not only wastes energy but also time. The search has always been for a device that is powerful enough to replace the oven for daily tasks, compact enough to live on the worktop without causing chaos, and, crucially, simple to clean. This is the problem the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer aims to solve, promising a revolutionary approach to a now-crowded market.

What to Consider Before Buying an Air Fryer

An air fryer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient cooking. By circulating superheated air, it achieves a crispy, fried texture with a fraction of the oil, transforming everyday meals. The main benefits are significant: reduced fat intake, quicker cooking times compared to a conventional oven, and a kitchen that stays cooler. For busy families and health-conscious individuals, it’s a genuine game-changer, turning daunting weeknight dinners into simple, satisfying affairs.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of limited time and a desire for better eating habits. This includes singles, couples, or small families living in apartments with limited kitchen space, or even those in larger homes who are tired of the inefficiency of a big oven for smaller portions. We’ve found it’s become indispensable for us. However, it might not be suitable for those who regularly cook for large groups of five or more, as even larger capacity models can require batch cooking. For those individuals, a large-capacity multi-cooker or a modern convection oven might be a more practical, albeit less specialised, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your countertop and storage space carefully. An air fryer that’s too big becomes a permanent, inconvenient fixture. Consider the vertical clearance under your cabinets, as many models vent heat upwards. The beauty of a compact design is its ability to integrate seamlessly into your daily kitchen workflow.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is usually measured in litres. A 2-4 litre model, like the Ninja CRISPi, is typically perfect for 1-3 people. For a family of four, you’d likely want to look at 5 litres or more. Performance is dictated by wattage (1700W is powerful for this size) and the efficiency of its air circulation technology, which determines how evenly and quickly it cooks.
• Materials & Durability: Most air fryers use non-stick coated metal baskets. While effective, concerns over the longevity and potential health implications of these coatings are growing. The Ninja CRISPi’s use of glass is a significant departure, offering a non-toxic, non-reactive cooking surface that won’t degrade over time. It provides peace of mind and, in our experience, superior durability.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for intuitive controls—simple dials or a clear touch screen. The real differentiator, however, is cleaning. A removable, dishwasher-safe basket or bowl is non-negotiable. Models with complex, multi-part baskets can be a nightmare to scrub, which negates the appliance’s convenience. The simpler the cleaning process, the more you’ll use it.

While the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer is an excellent choice for a specific user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially larger models. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Ninja CRISPi: A First Look at its Unique Modular Design

From the moment we opened the box, it was clear the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer isn’t your average kitchen appliance. Dressed in a striking “Cyber Space Blue,” it immediately feels more modern and thoughtfully designed than the legion of black plastic boxes on the market. The core concept is its modularity. Instead of a single, integrated unit, you get a detachable 1700W “PowerPod” — the brains and the fan — and two separate borosilicate glass containers (a generous 3.8L and a handy 1.4L). The glass feels substantial and high-quality, like premium ovenware, a stark contrast to the flimsy feel of some air fryer baskets. In the box, you also find two corresponding non-stick crisper plates to elevate food for optimal air circulation, and two silicone storage lids, which instantly highlights one of the product’s killer features: the ability to cook, serve, and store leftovers all in the same container. Assembly is non-existent; you simply place the PowerPod on top of the glass container you wish to use. The immediate impression is one of clever, space-saving innovation and premium materials.

Putting the Ninja CRISPi to the Test: A Performance Breakdown

An innovative design is one thing, but performance is what truly matters. We put the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer through a series of daily cooking challenges, from roasting vegetables to crisping up leftovers and searing a perfect steak. We wanted to see if its unique form factor came with any compromises in the kitchen, and what we found was a machine that excels in some areas and reveals a few surprising quirks in others.

A Revolution in Cooking and Cleaning: The CleanCrisp Glassware System

Let’s be direct: the CleanCrisp glass containers are the single greatest reason to consider this air fryer. For years, the Achilles’ heel of the air fryer experience has been the clean-up. Scrubbing baked-on grease from non-stick baskets, often with awkward corners and vents, is a chore no one enjoys. The Ninja CRISPi completely eliminates this. After cooking, you can literally just give the glass bowl a quick rinse and place it directly in the dishwasher. It comes out sparkling every single time. This feature alone has made us use it multiple times a day, something we wouldn’t do with our old models. As one user aptly put it, “You just rinse it and dump it in the dishwasher. No mess whatsoever.”

Beyond the cleaning, the glass offers two other distinct advantages. Firstly, there’s the peace of mind. With growing concerns about the chemicals used in non-stick coatings, cooking directly in inert, non-toxic glass is a huge plus for health-conscious users. Secondly, you can see your food cooking from every angle. No more pulling the basket out to check for doneness; a quick glance tells you exactly how your chips are browning or your cheese is melting. This visual feedback makes you a better cook. The inclusion of storage lids is the final stroke of genius. We roasted a chicken breast for dinner, served it straight from the bowl, and then popped the lid on the leftovers to go straight into the fridge. It streamlines the entire cook-eat-store process in a way no other air fryer we’ve tested has managed. This cook-and-store feature truly sets it apart from the competition.

Cooking Performance: Simple, Effective, but Not for Control Freaks

Powered by a 1700W motor, the Ninja CRISPi has plenty of grunt. Food cooks quickly and, for the most part, evenly. The four functions—Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm, and Recrisp—are controlled via a simple, intuitive touch interface on top of the PowerPod. There are no complicated menus, just four buttons. You select a mode, set the time, and press start. This simplicity is both a strength and a weakness.

For everyday tasks, it’s brilliant. We made roast potatoes that were fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden-crisp on the outside. Frozen fish fingers and chips for a quick lunch came out wonderfully crunchy, far superior to what an oven could achieve in the same time. Reheating leftover pizza on the ‘Recrisp’ function was a revelation, reviving the base to its original crispy glory without drying out the topping. We even replicated one user’s test of cooking a ribeye steak, and the results were fantastic—a beautiful sear on the outside and perfectly medium-rare inside after just 6 minutes per side. For the majority of users who want to press a button and get great results, this machine delivers. As one happy owner said, “I have cooked steak, fries and frozen pizza in it and all have come out really good.”

However, the simplicity comes at a cost: a lack of granular control. Each function has a preset, non-adjustable temperature. You cannot manually set it to 190°C or 175°C. For seasoned cooks who follow precise recipes or like to fine-tune their cooking, this will be a significant drawback. We also confirmed the findings of one user who felt homemade chips took longer than in their other Ninja model, around 40 minutes, and weren’t necessarily crispier. While our chips were good, it does seem the presets might be slightly conservative compared to the max power of its dual-zone siblings. This machine prioritises ease of use over ultimate culinary flexibility.

Portability and Design: Genius Idea with Some Frustrating Flaws

The modular, portable concept is genuinely innovative and well-executed. The PowerPod is lightweight, and the entire system is easy to pack up and transport. We can see this being an absolute game-changer for those with campervans (as one user specifically bought it for), people who take extended holidays in self-catering accommodation, or even students in dorms. At home, its small footprint and attractive design mean it earns its spot on the counter. We also noted, as did other users, that the base remains cool to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging your work surfaces.

Unfortunately, this excellent core design is marred by two significant, and frankly baffling, design flaws. The first is the power cable. It’s positioned on the PowerPod in such a way that it almost always gets caught underneath the lid as you place it on the glass bowl. You have to consciously hold the cable out of the way every single time you use it. One user summed up our feelings perfectly: “The cable keeps getting caught under the lid when closing, and it happens almost every time it’s used. If that design flaw gets fixed, this would be a clear winner.” It’s a constant, minor annoyance that detracts from an otherwise seamless experience.

The second, more serious issue lies with the small silicone feet on the non-stick crisper plates. These feet are essential for protecting the glass bowl from scratches and allowing air to circulate underneath. However, reports of them splitting or breaking after just a few uses are common, a problem we also began to notice signs of during our extended testing. As multiple users lamented, “Feet on Crispi plate broke fairly quickly,” and “the little rubber feet on the large crisper plate have split after only using it a few times.” Getting replacements seems to be a frustrating process, which undermines the premium feel of the appliance. It’s a small component failure that has a big impact on usability and long-term satisfaction.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience with the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer aligns very closely with the general user consensus. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with owners celebrating its core strengths. Many, like us, have found it has completely replaced their old air fryer and even their main oven for daily use due to its sheer convenience and ease of cleaning. One user noted, “it has made us abandon our Smeg range ovens and gets used multiple times a day.” The quietness of its operation is another frequently praised feature, with one person stating it “runs quietly compared to other air fryers I’ve tried.”

However, the praise is consistently tempered by frustration with the same design flaws we identified. The issue with the power cord is mentioned repeatedly as a needless annoyance. The problem of the fragile silicone feet on the crisper plates is the most common serious complaint, leading to disappointment in what is otherwise a high-quality product. One user’s comment captures the general feeling: “Great little machine, needs recall for the plate or send out some replacements.” These issues prevent a universally perfect score for what could have been a flawless product.

How Does the Ninja CRISPi Compare to the Competition?

The Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer occupies a unique niche in the market with its focus on glass cookware and portability. While it excels in these areas, different users have different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Tower T17021 Family Size Air Fryer 4.3L

The Tower T17021 represents the traditional, budget-friendly air fryer. With a slightly larger 4.3L capacity, it’s geared more towards small families. Its main advantages are its lower price point and simple, manual dial controls for both time and temperature, offering the granular control that the Ninja CRISPi lacks. However, it uses a standard non-stick basket, which brings back the cleaning challenges the Ninja so brilliantly solves. The build quality, while perfectly functional, doesn’t match the premium feel of the Ninja’s glass and sleek design. This is the ideal choice for someone on a strict budget who needs a bit more capacity and full temperature control, and doesn’t mind the extra scrubbing.

2. Ninja Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cooker

If the Ninja CRISPi is about focused simplicity, the Ninja Speedi is about maximum versatility. This is a true multi-cooker powerhouse, boasting 10 functions including steam, grill, bake, sear, and slow cook, in addition to air frying. Its “Speedi Meals” function can cook a whole meal—grains, vegetables, and protein—in one pot in as little as 15 minutes. It’s a much larger, more complex machine designed to be a complete kitchen replacement. You’d choose the Speedi if your primary goal is to cook complex, multi-component meals quickly and you value function over form and portability. It’s for the serious home cook who wants one appliance to do it all, whereas the CRISPi is for the user who wants to perfect the basics with ultimate convenience.

3. Belaco 2L Digital Air Fryer

The Belaco 2L air fryer is all about minimalism. With its tiny 2L capacity, it’s designed specifically for individuals or for kitchens where every single centimetre counts. It’s an ultra-compact, no-frills device for making single portions of chips, reheating a pasty, or cooking a solo chicken breast. While it features a digital display and adjustable temperature, its small size is its main selling point and also its biggest limitation. The Ninja CRISPi, with its dual bowls (3.8L and 1.4L), offers far more flexibility. You would choose the Belaco only if your space is extremely limited and you exclusively cook for one. The Ninja CRISPi provides a much better balance of compact design and usable capacity.

The Final Word: Is the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer Right for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Ninja CRISPi 3.8L 4-in-1 Air Fryer is overwhelmingly positive, albeit with important caveats. This is a brilliantly innovative appliance that rethinks the air fryer experience for the better. The glass cookware is a triumph, offering non-toxic cooking, easy monitoring, and a cleaning experience that is genuinely effortless. Its compact, modular design is perfect for modern kitchens, and its portability is a unique and valuable feature.

It is, however, a product that is two small fixes away from perfection. The irritating power cord placement and the fragile silicone feet on the crisper plate are notable flaws in an otherwise stellar design. Furthermore, the lack of manual temperature control will be a deal-breaker for some. We recommend it wholeheartedly to singles, couples, and small families who prioritise health, convenience, and ease of cleaning above all else. If you are tired of scrubbing non-stick baskets and love the idea of a portable, versatile cooker, this machine is a game-changer. Despite its quirks, it has earned a permanent place on our countertop. If you believe this unique approach fits your lifestyle, you can check the latest price and find more details online.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API