For anyone who has ever reheated a slice of pizza in the microwave, the result is all too familiar: a rubbery, soggy crust that bears little resemblance to the original. Ninja, a brand known for its versatile kitchen appliances, believes it has finally solved this problem with the introduction of its first microwave, the Ninja Crispi Microwave. This device is not just a standard microwave; it also doubles as an air fryer, allowing users to first heat their food with microwaves and then switch to circulating superheated air to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. The product is now available on SharkNinja’s online store for $449, and it promises to replace two countertop appliances while delivering far better results for foods that previously suffered from microwave reheating.
The Ninja Crispi Microwave is a 1,000-watt appliance that comes equipped with a range of standard microwave presets, including popcorn, defrost, frozen dinner, and a softening butter setting. But its standout feature is the flatbed interior, which eliminates the traditional turntable. According to Ninja, this design offers 40 percent more usable cooking surface than a conventional microwave. This means you can fit two bags of popcorn side by side, or heat up four bowls of soup or leftovers at once. The flatbed also makes cleaning significantly easier, as there are no rotating glass plates or rollers to scrub. Once food is sufficiently heated, users can activate the air fryer mode, which has its own set of presets: air bake, max crisp, and air broil. To ensure even cooking, the air fryer mode uses a 5.5-quart glass container with a perforated insert that allows hot air to circulate beneath the food. This container can hold an 8-pound chicken, according to Ninja, and it comes with two lids: one for storage and one with a vent for steaming vegetables.
The concept of a microwave that can also air fry is not entirely new, but Ninja is bringing its considerable experience in air frying to bear. The company has built a reputation for affordable yet powerful air fryers, including the popular Ninja Air Fryer and Ninja Foodi lines. The Crispi Microwave builds on this legacy by integrating the two cooking methods into a single device. For many households, this could mean reclaiming precious counter space while gaining the ability to produce crispier results without needing a separate air fryer. The price point of $449 positions it as a premium appliance, but it competes with other high-end countertop ovens and microwave-air fryer hybrids on the market.
To understand why the Crispi Microwave is particularly effective for reheating pizza, it helps to look at the science. Microwaves work by exciting water molecules in food, which quickly heats the interior but often leaves the exterior soft and steamy. Air fryers, on the other hand, use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air at up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a Maillard reaction that produces a crispy, browned crust. By combining these two methods, the Crispi Microwave can first bring the pizza to the right internal temperature and then finish it with a blast of hot air to restore the crispiness of the crust. This two-step process is automated with the press of a button, making it as convenient as a regular microwave but with much better results.
Beyond pizza, the Crispi Microwave is designed for a wide variety of foods. The air fryer presets allow for baking, broiling, and crisping, which means you can cook frozen french fries, chicken wings, or even whole chicken with a crispy skin. The 5.5-quart glass container is large enough for a small chicken or a batch of vegetables, and the storage lid makes it easy to refrigerate leftovers directly in the same container. The steaming lid adds another function, enabling vegetables to be steamed using the air fryer’s fan and heat. The flatbed design also accommodates larger dishes, such as casserole pans, that would not fit in a traditional microwave with a turntable.
Ninja has a history of innovating in the kitchen appliance category. The company, owned by SharkNinja, launched its first air fryer in 2016 and quickly became a market leader. In 2021, it introduced the Ninja Foodi air fryer oven, which combined air frying, baking, broiling, and toasting. The Crispi Microwave represents a logical next step, merging microwave technology with air frying. The company’s engineers focused on ensuring that the two functions do not interfere with each other; the microwave mode uses magnetrons for quick heating, while the air fryer mode uses a separate heating element and fan. The result is a seamless experience where users can select a preset and the appliance automatically sequences the cooking modes.
From a design perspective, the Crispi Microwave follows Ninja’s typical aesthetic: a sleek, matte black or stainless steel finish with a digital display and touch controls. The flatbed interior is made of durable ceramic enamel, which prevents scratches and is easy to wipe clean. The air fryer container is borosilicate glass, which can withstand high temperatures without breaking. The appliance also includes safety features such as automatic shutoff and a cool-touch exterior.
In the broader context of kitchen technology, the Crispi Microwave is arriving at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for multifunctional appliances. The rise of small apartments and minimalist lifestyles has driven demand for devices that can perform multiple tasks without taking up too much space. Meanwhile, the love for crispy, fried foods has not diminished, but health concerns have led many to seek air fryers as a way to enjoy similar textures with less oil. The Crispi Microwave addresses both trends.
It is worth noting that the Crispi Microwave is not the only product in this niche. Competitors like the Toshiba AC25CEW-SS, the Panasonic FlashXpress, and the Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven offer similar functionality. However, Ninja’s specific approach to combining the two technologies, along with its strong brand recognition, may give it an edge. The flatbed design is particularly a differentiator, as it allows for more flexibility in terms of the size and shape of containers that can be used. Many competing microwaves still rely on turntables, which can be limiting.
For potential buyers, the $449 price tag might seem steep compared to a standard microwave, which can be found for under $100. However, when considering that a good air fryer can cost anywhere from $60 to $200, and that the Crispi Microwave effectively replaces both appliances, the price becomes more reasonable. Additionally, the device promises to save time and improve the quality of reheated meals, which could lead to less food waste. The ability to crisp up leftovers might encourage people to cook larger portions and enjoy them later, rather than throwing away uneaten food.
The launch of the Crispi Microwave also highlights a broader trend: the continued evolution of the microwave from a simple heating device to a sophisticated cooking tool. High-end microwaves now often include convection cooking, grilling elements, and steam functions. The Crispi Microwave’s air fryer feature takes this a step further, targeting a specific pain point that has plagued microwave users for decades. It remains to be seen how well the device performs in real-world kitchens, but the initial response from tech reviewers suggests that it could be a game-changer for anyone who values crispy leftovers.
As of July 2026, the Ninja Crispi Microwave is available exclusively through SharkNinja’s website. It comes with a standard warranty and customer support. The company has also hinted at possible future expansions to the Crispi line, including a larger capacity model or one with smart connectivity. For now, this first entry into the microwave category demonstrates Ninja’s willingness to experiment and its understanding of what home cooks actually want: convenience without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s reheating pizza, cooking a whole chicken, or just making popcorn, the Crispi Microwave aims to deliver a better result than what a traditional microwave can offer.
Source: The Verge News