The new glass double-drawer version is twice as good
Our Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer review
The arrival of a new air fryer that really excites me only happens a handful of times a year. In my role I review and write about a lot of kitchen gadgets, particularly air fryers, but sometimes a new piece of tech really gets me enthused. Let’s cut to the chase: Ninja has evolved its Ninja CRISPi into a dual-operation model (read: two drawers), but still with the brilliant clear-glass design so you can see what’s cooking. Even better, it comes in super flattering colourways (I had Bone, it also comes in Rose Quartz), rather than the slightly dull default black or silver usually offered with kitchen appliances. As a whole, the design itself is brilliant, plus it’s affordable and easy to use. Tick, tick, tick, tick.
What is the Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer?
First came the Ninja CRISPi, then the Ninja CRISPi PRO XL, and now the Ninja CRISPi DualZone is here – the first of the brand’s models with two glass cooking baskets. It’s similar to the Ninja DualZone Air Fryer, which also offers two baskets, but I think this design is even better because you can see the food cooking through the glass. It also has eight functions, rather than six: Air Fry, Max Crisp, Roast, Bake, Prove, Dehydrate, Recrisp and Keep Warm. This air fryer comes with two 3.8L containers, two crisper plates and two Tupperware-style lids, in case you want to store food in the freezer or fridge after cooking.
What makes the Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer special?
A Ninja CRISPi first: there are two independent cooking zones. This means you can cook two completely different things at the same time, or, if you select Match Cook, Zone 2 will automatically copy Zone 1. And if you press the Smart Finish button, two completely different meals finish at the same moment.
The +1 Min button I hope is self explanatory, but I feel it’s still worthwhile to say you can press this once at any time during the cook and it won’t interrupt anything – it will just add one minute on to the timer. And you can press it more than once to add as many more minutes as you need, without starting over.
As mentioned above, you can watch your food cooking in real time, thanks to the natural glass dishes, which are PFAS-free and PTFE-free (aka non-toxic), as well as thermal shock-resistant, so you can start cooking your food directly from the freezer.
How easy is it to use the Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer?
The setup couldn’t be simpler. I hand-washed and dried the glass baskets and crisper plates, then slid the glassware in from the front until it clicked. I plugged the air fryer in, pressed the power button and selected a cooking zone (Zone 1 or Zone 2), then used the control panel and dials to select a cooking function (eg Air Fry or Roast), temperature and time. The display also shows you how much time is left.
After cooking, I simply pulled out the glass basket using the front handle (wearing an oven glove) at a 45-degree angle, then grabbed the rear handle to fully remove. You can put the glass baskets on practically any surface – granite, marble, solid wood and laminate worktops – thanks to the heat-protected feet.
How easy is it to clean the Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer?
Once cooking is complete, you can place everything – the glass containers, storage lids and crisper plates – in the dishwasher, or wash by hand if you prefer. Amazing.
Is the Ninja CRISPi DualZone Glass Air Fryer actually worth it?
This is a true five-star product. I feel it’s marketed towards families – because of the two drawers and size capacity for batch cooking – but honestly, it’s ideal for one or two people too. I wouldn’t say it’s a space-saver (the dimensions are 42.42cm L x 29.79 cm W x 29.39 cm H), but it’s not trying to be – you have the original Ninja CRISPi for this. For essentially £300 you have a fast and efficient mini oven, as well as so many other functions. And I love how the glass containers can be used for food prep, cooking, storage, serving and reheating food. Ninja, I’m really impressed.
★★★★★
Kickstarter recipe: tomato meatballs
Ingredients
400g beef mince
1 medium egg, beaten
3 teaspoons dried oregano
Sea salt and ground black pepper
300ml passata
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Basil, to garnish
Directions
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To prepare the meatballs, add the beef, egg, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper to a medium bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined. Once combined, roll mixture into 12 meatballs.
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Add passata, garlic, balsamic and remaining oregano to the Zone 1 glass container (remove the crisper plate first) and then place meatballs in sauce. I also added fresh tomatoes (sliced).
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Insert container into Zone 1.
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Select Zone 1 and use the dial to select air fry. Press Temp and use the dial to set to 190℃. Then press time and use the dial to set to 25-30 minutes.
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When 15 minutes remain on the timer, you will be notified to ‘Flip’, which means remove container from Zone 1 and turn meatballs. Re-insert container to continue cooking.
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When cooking is complete, serve and sprinkle with fresh basil and your choice of sides (garlic bread, pasta etc).
