There’s a new wave of compact air fryers that go beyond frying — and two of the most talked-about names right now are the Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Air Fryer and the Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer. Both promise healthier cooking, easy cleaning, and compact designs that fit neatly in smaller kitchens. I’ve had the chance to test both models side-by-side for a few weeks, and I can confidently say — while both deliver crisp, flavorful results, they cater to slightly different cooking personalities.
Let’s explore what sets them apart and which one might be the better fit for your kitchen routine.
Key Difference Between Ninja Crispi vs Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer
At a glance, the Ninja Crispi focuses on portability, convenience, and smart storage, making it an excellent choice for smaller households or quick meals. It comes with glass containers, a 4-in-1 functionality, and a unique PowerPod design that brings full-sized air fryer performance to a compact setup.
On the other hand, the Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer aims to be a multi-functional showpiece. It offers 9-in-1 cooking presets, a self-cleaning system, and a full 360° glass bowl for complete visibility. It’s slightly larger and heavier but feels more like a complete countertop oven replacement.
In short:
- Ninja Crispi = Quick, portable, and minimal.
- Fritaire = Versatile, showy, and feature-rich.
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
- Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even...
Comparison Table: Ninja Crispi vs Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer
| Feature | Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Air Fryer | Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer |
| Capacity | 4 Quarts | 5 Quarts |
| Power | 1500W | 400°F Vortex System |
| Functions | 4-in-1 (Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, Recrisp) | 9-in-1 (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, etc.) |
| Material | Non-toxic Glass Containers | Non-toxic BPA-Free, PFAS-Free Glass Bowl |
| Self-Cleaning | No | Yes |
| Visibility | Clear Glass Containers | 360° Glass Bowl |
| Portability | High (Compact PowerPod Design) | Moderate (Heavier, with Rotisserie Setup) |
| Accessories | 4QT & 6-Cup Containers, Storage Lids | Rotisserie, Basket, Rack, Tumbler |
| Ease of Storage | Excellent (Nesting Design) | Moderate |
| Color Options | Cyberspace Gray | Black |
| Best For | Small households, quick meals | Families, multifunctional cooking |
| Check Latest Price / Deals & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review – Design and Build Quality
The Ninja Crispi immediately stands out for its PowerPod system — a compact heating unit that fits neatly onto the included glass containers. It’s an innovative approach that makes it look more like a futuristic gadget than a traditional air fryer. The CleanCrisp glass containers are sleek, dishwasher-safe, and free from harmful coatings. What I loved most is how it all nests together, saving an impressive amount of storage space.
By comparison, the Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer feels more like a countertop centerpiece. The 360° glass bowl not only looks striking but allows you to see your food crisping in real time. It’s bulkier than the Ninja but built with durable, heat-resistant materials. The stainless accents add a premium feel, and it’s one of the few models that truly looks great sitting out on the counter.
Verdict:
Ninja Crispi wins for compact design and portability, while Fritaire takes the crown for visual appeal and premium presence.
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
- Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even...
Ease of Use and Cleaning
This is where the two models really go in different directions.
The Ninja Crispi focuses on simplicity. Just choose your function — Air Fry, Max Crisp, Bake, or Recrisp — and go. The interface is straightforward, and cleanup is effortless since the glass containers are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. For anyone who hates scrubbing baskets, this design feels refreshingly convenient.
The Fritaire, on the other hand, is an absolute game-changer for cleaning. Its self-cleaning mode lets you skip manual washing altogether. Just add some water and a few drops of soap, hit the clean button, and it does the rest. It’s hands-down the most convenient cleaning system I’ve seen in an air fryer to date.
Verdict:
Fritaire wins for innovative self-cleaning, but Ninja Crispi keeps it clean and simple with fewer parts and easy washing.
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
Performance and Cooking Results
I ran a few tests using both models — air frying fries, reheating leftovers, and roasting chicken.
The Ninja Crispi surprised me with how powerful it is for its size. The 1500W PowerPod delivers consistent heat, and the Max Crisp mode gives that perfect golden crunch without drying the food. The smaller 6-cup container was great for solo meals, while the 4-quart bowl handled a full 4-pound chicken surprisingly well.
The Fritaire, though, delivered more even browning thanks to its 400°F vortex air system and rotisserie feature. Watching the food rotate inside the glass bowl was oddly satisfying — and the results were restaurant-level. The fries came out evenly cooked, and the rotisserie chicken was perfectly tender inside and crisp outside.
Verdict:
For quick, efficient cooking — Ninja Crispi.
For performance and even cooking across multiple recipes — Fritaire.
- Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even...
Functions and Versatility
Here’s where the Fritaire pulls ahead. With 9 cooking presets (including roast, broil, reheat, and dehydrate), it’s far more versatile than the Ninja Crispi’s 4-in-1 functionality. You can easily prepare a variety of dishes without guessing temperature or time settings.
That said, the Ninja Crispi still delivers the essentials most people need — Air Fry, Max Crisp, Bake, and Recrisp — and it does each of them well. For everyday home cooking, you might not even need more than that.
Verdict:
If you love experimenting, go for Fritaire.
If you want simplicity and fewer buttons to press, stick with Ninja Crispi.
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
- Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even...
Storage and Portability
This category is where the Ninja Crispi completely dominates. The PowerPod nests perfectly with the glass containers, and everything can be tucked away neatly in a single cabinet. It’s light, portable, and ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
The Fritaire, on the other hand, is bulkier due to its rotisserie attachments and wider base. While it’s not difficult to store, it does take up more counter space.
Verdict:
Ninja Crispi is the clear winner for portability and compact storage.
Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Air Fryer
- ALL-IN-ONE SYSTEM: Includes the Ninja Crispi PowerPod, 4-qt and 6-cup CleanCrisp glass containers, and 2 storage lids
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- CleanCrisp glass containers are non-toxic and dishwasher-safe
- Great performance for its size
- Easy to store — perfect for small kitchens
- Leak-proof lids for on-the-go meal prep
Cons:
- Smaller capacity compared to Fritaire
- Limited cooking functions
- No self-cleaning mode
Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer
- Rotisserie & Tumbling Basket Included – Roast a whole chicken to perfection or tumble fries and veggies for even...
Pros:
- 9-in-1 functionality for versatile cooking
- Self-cleaning mode saves time and effort
- Rotisserie and tumbling basket for even cooking
- Stunning 360° glass visibility
- Non-toxic materials with no Teflon or PFAS
Cons:
- Larger and less portable
- Slightly more parts to manage
- Higher learning curve initially
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After weeks of testing both models, here’s my takeaway —
If you’re someone who values convenience, portability, and quick cleanup, the Ninja Crispi Portable Glass Air Fryer is a perfect fit. It’s compact, smartly designed, and does all the essential air fryer tasks exceptionally well. Ideal for solo cooks, small families, or anyone who wants a clutter-free kitchen setup.
However, if you want a feature-packed, do-it-all air fryer that can roast, rotisserie, and clean itself — the Fritaire Portable Glass Air Fryer is the more advanced option. It feels more premium, cooks more evenly, and is a true multitasking powerhouse.
In short —
- Choose Ninja Crispi for simplicity and space-saving.
- Choose Fritaire for versatility and innovation.
Either way, both models prove that the future of air frying is smarter, cleaner, and definitely more transparent — literally.







