Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System Review: Glass Innovation vs. Traditional Power

The air fryer market has exploded with options, but two Ninja models stand out for different reasons: the innovative Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer (FN101GY) and the reliable Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (AF141). If you’re torn between revolutionary glass technology and traditional basket performance, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide which air fryer deserves a spot on your countertop.

Standout Features Comparison

Feature	Ninja Crispi FN101GY	Ninja AF141 Pro
Unique Selling Point	Glass containers double as storage; PFAS-free cooking; see-through design	Superior temperature stability; faster cooking times; traditional air frying
Capacity	4QT + 6-cup containers	5QT single basket
Max Temperature	450°F (250°C)	400°F (210°C)
Cooking Functions	Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, Recrisp	Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
Noise Level	Very quiet (68 dB)	Louder during operation
Cleaning	Dishwasher-safe glass containers; PowerPod requires hand wiping	Ceramic basket dishwasher-safe
Portability	Highly portable; stackable storage	Standard countertop placement
Price Range	Check Amazon	Check Amazon

Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Review

What Makes the Ninja Crispi Different?

The Ninja Crispi represents a complete reimagining of air fryer design. Instead of cooking food in a metal basket, you place your ingredients in borosilicate glass containers and snap a lightweight PowerPod on top. This 1500W heating unit contains the fan and heating element, transforming ordinary glass cookware into a powerful air frying system.​

The system comes with two TempWare glass containers: a large 4-quart (3.8L) container for family meals and a smaller 6-cup (1.4L) container for personal portions or sides. Both containers include storage lids, meaning you can prep, cook, serve, and store all in the same dish.​

Key Innovation: The glass containers are completely PFAS-free, addressing growing concerns about nonstick coatings and chemical exposure. You can watch your food cook through the transparent glass, and the containers are safe for the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and conventional oven.​

The Traditional Powerhouse: Ninja AF141 Pro

The Ninja AF141 Pro takes a more conventional approach but excels at it. This compact 5-quart air fryer features a ceramic nonstick basket with a square design that maximizes cooking surface area. With 1750W of power and temperatures up to 400°F, it delivers fast preheating and exceptional temperature stability.​

What sets the AF141 apart is its cooking performance. Testing by RTINGS found it produces “good-quality fried food quickly” with “great temperature stability” that helps when following recipes and cooking delicate foods. The wide fan speed range makes it versatile enough for everything from quick crisping to slow dehydrating.​

What Customers Are Saying

Ninja Crispi Reviews:

The Positives: Customers consistently praise the Crispi’s ease of cleaning and versatility. One Best Buy reviewer noted: “I was able to cook a medium rare steak in about 15 minutes and my ribs to a nice crisp in about 24 minutes. Afterwards, it was easy to clean while still warm or store any leftovers without pulling out another container”.​

Another user highlighted the convenience factor: “Great little air fryer for quick meals or heating up snacks… For small meals or snacks I use the smaller 6-cup container and then when I have to prepare any large meals or for when I have company I can use the 4-quart container”.​

Tom’s Guide gave it high marks, stating: “I didn’t expect to love the Ninja Crispi, but after cooking everything from pasta to green beans in this glass air fryer, I’m holding my hands up and admitting I was wrong”. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the surprisingly crispy results despite the unconventional design.​

The Concerns: Several customers reported overheating issues. One Reddit user shared: “After six weeks, it began overheating on the ‘Crisp’ setting and would shut off, only to restart after 30-40 minutes”. The glass containers also get very hot during cooking, which could be a safety concern for households with children.​

Cleaning the PowerPod heating element presents challenges. Multiple users on Reddit discussed difficulty cleaning grease buildup from the heating element, with one noting: “They recommend cleaning it with just a damp cloth… I don’t know about just that cuz I ain’t never no just water cut no grease”.​

Ninja AF141 Pro Reviews:

The Positives: The AF141 earns praise for consistent performance and ease of use. A Best Buy customer shared: “Doesn’t take up much counter space. We have made small steaks, pork chops, corn dogs, hash browns, and chicken so far. All came out great. Cook time is fast”.​

Professional testing confirms these experiences. RTINGS found the AF141 “makes good-quality fried food” with “great temperature stability” and noted it “cooks quickly”. The ceramic nonstick coating is easier to maintain than traditional PTFE coatings.​

One user summed it up simply: “The Ninja Air Fryer is super easy to use, cooks food quickly, and makes everything perfectly crispy without the extra oil. I’d definitely give it 5 stars for convenience, performance, and delicious results every time”.​

The Concerns: The main complaints center on noise and build quality. Several reviewers mentioned the AF141 is “really loud” during operation. One YouTube reviewer noted: “The build quality is where it falls short for me. It feels a bit cheap, it’s really loud and I wish it had an auto pause and resume option”.​​

Some users also expressed concerns about grease buildup under non-removable silicone tabs, questioning long-term cleanliness.​

How to Use Ninja Crispi Air Fryer

1. Select your glass container (6-cup or 4-quart) based on portion size​
2. Place ingredients in the container with the crisper plate if desired​
3. Snap the PowerPod onto the container (use adapter frame for 4-quart size)​
4. Select cooking mode: Max Crisp (425-450°F), Air Fry (400-425°F), Bake (375-400°F), or Recrisp (380-400°F)​
5. Set time and press start​
6. When finished, remove PowerPod and serve directly from container​
7. Snap on storage lid to refrigerate leftovers​

How to use the Ninja AF141 Pro:

1. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes for best results​
2. Pull out the basket and place food on the crisper plate in a single layer​
3. Spray with non-stick cooking spray if desired​
4. Select function: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, or Dehydrate​
5. Adjust temperature (105-400°F) and time as needed​
6. Press start and shake basket halfway through cooking for even results​
7. When done, remove basket and serve​

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Ninja Crispi:

The glass containers and crisper plates are fully dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward. Simply remove the containers and place them in the dishwasher, or wash by hand with regular dish soap.​​

The PowerPod requires more attention. Ninja recommends wiping it with a damp cloth, but users find this insufficient for removing grease. Many customers use a degreasing spray on a paper towel for better results. Some have discovered you can carefully remove the bottom plastic frame for deeper cleaning, though this isn’t officially recommended.​​

Important: The glass containers get very hot and stay hot after cooking. Always use the handles and allow adequate cooling time before storage.​

Cleaning the Ninja AF141 Pro:

The ceramic basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe. For hand washing, spray with a degreasing solution, let sit for 5 minutes, then scrub and rinse.​​

The main unit can be wiped with a damp cloth. Hot air exhausts from the rear, so keep this area clean. Some users note the non-removable silicone tabs can trap grease underneath, requiring extra attention.​

Both models benefit from cleaning while still warm (but not hot) as this prevents grease from hardening.​

Which Should You Buy?

Choose the Ninja Crispi (FN101GY) if you:

• Want chemical-free, non-toxic cooking without PFAS or PTFE coatings​
• Need portability for RVs, dorms, offices, or small kitchens​​
• Value meal prep and storage convenience with all-in-one containers​
• Cook primarily for 1-2 people or need flexible portion sizes​
• Prefer quieter operation​
• Want to watch your food cook through transparent glass​
• Are willing to pay premium price ($160-180) for innovative design​

Choose the Ninja AF141 Pro if you:

• Want traditional air fryer performance with excellent temperature control​
• Need faster cooking times and higher power (1750W)​
• Cook regularly for 2-3 people with a single 5-quart capacity​
• Prefer the dehydrate function for making dried fruits and jerky​
• Want the most budget-friendly option ($90-130)​
• Value proven basket-style air frying technology​
• Don’t mind louder operation for better performance​​

The Bottom Line

Both air fryers excel in their categories, but they serve different needs. The Ninja Crispi is a game-changer for those concerned about cooking surface safety, living in small spaces, or needing maximum versatility from prep to storage. Its glass technology eliminates worries about nonstick coating degradation and provides unmatched convenience for meal preppers.​

The Ninja AF141 Pro delivers superior raw cooking performance at a lower price point. Its larger single capacity, faster cooking times, and traditional design make it ideal for households prioritizing speed and efficiency over portability.​

For health-conscious consumers worried about PFAS exposure or anyone needing a truly portable solution, the Crispi justifies its higher price. For budget-minded buyers seeking proven air frying performance and larger capacity, the AF141 Pro offers exceptional value. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value innovation and convenience (Crispi) or power and affordability (AF141 Pro)