Air fryers have been a kitchen trend for the better part of the past decade, and for good reason: They make it easy to get that perfect crunch on French fries and fry up veggies and other foods without all the oil.Recently, a trend toward air fryers with glass baskets instead of traditional aluminum or steel has emerged among several popular brands.I tested this trend with the Ninja Crispi—read on for my experience and the benefits of switching to glass for your next air-frying venture.
I think it’s safe for me to call myself an air fryer enthusiast. When these nifty convection-cooking devices blew up and captivated everyone’s kitchens in 2020, I happily jumped on the bandwagon and spent the Covid-19 lockdown experimenting with fried pickles and marinated tofu recipes.
Since then, the air fryer has been a staple in my kitchen, used several days per week. I’ve tested several models over the years, from a simple basket model with dials from Dash to a more advanced touchscreen model with pre-programmed cook times from Kalorik that I’m currently working with. Naturally, when I saw some of my favorite cooking influencers on TikTok using glass-bowl air fryers, my interest was piqued. I could see Brussels sprouts browning, cookies turning golden brown, and steak going from raw to medium-rare, all very clearly, which was admittedly quite fascinating.
I knew I had to get my hands on one of these and see how they cook, so I took a look at one of the most popular glass air fryer models, the Ninja Crispi, available in both four- and six-quart models.
What Are the Benefits of a Glass Air Fryer?
Obviously, glass air fryers are aesthetically different from most models on the market, but are there any real benefits or differences when cooking with them? Absolutely, yes! Let’s break it down.
Easier Cleaning
The main benefit that sticks out to me with a glass air fryer versus a traditional steel or aluminum basket is the ease of cleaning. The glass pots that serve as baskets in the Crispi model are dishwasher-safe, eliminating the scrubbing and soaking that usually come with cleaning an air fryer.
Trevor Raab
It’s also easier to see buildup or residue when you’re handwashing. Every other air fryer I’ve used has a black basket, which makes grease or caked-on food residue harder to see.
Because glass air fryers are transparent, you can see when food residue or splatters are present and clean them promptly. This reduces the risk of burnt bits building up over time—something that can happen in opaque baskets and may cause burning when reheated.
No Non-Stick Coating
Glass air fryers are widely regarded as a non-toxic option for home cooking, largely because the primary cooking chamber is made from glass, typically borosilicate. Glass is an inert material, meaning it does not react with food or release chemicals when exposed to high heat.
Trevor Raab
Many conventional air fryers use PTFE or similar nonstick coatings on baskets, which can degrade when scratched or overheated. A glass chamber eliminates concerns about coating breakdown or release of chemicals associated with damaged non-stick surfaces. While metal racks or accessories may still be included, the primary food-contact surface is free of these issues. I just spray mine with avocado or olive oil to help it stick, and that does the job just fine.
Shop the Ninja Crispi
How Does a Glass Air Fryer Perform?
I tested some chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and several veggie dishes in my Ninja Crispi, and I was impressed with its performance. Cooking-wise, it works like every other air fryer, using a fan to circulate hot air. However, I watched my food closely, and when my sweet potato fries were getting a bit brown on the edges, I stopped the cooking cycle and pulled out the glass basket. And voilà, perfectly crispy fries.
With this Ninja model specifically, I loved that the glass baskets come with lids. So if you have leftovers, there’s no need to get the Tupperware out and dirty more dishes; just place the lid on and put your fryer basket straight in the fridge, then put it back in the air fryer to reheat when you’re ready.
I also can’t say enough about how easy it is to clean. Throwing the glass pieces, lids, and racks right into the dishwasher makes the post-cooking process addictively easy.
The one con to be aware of is that, although there are silicone handles on the sides of the glass basket, your hands can still come into contact with the hot glass, so be sure to use oven mitts with every use for added safety.
Trevor Raab
Overall, I highly recommend trying out a glass air fryer, and the Ninja Crispi is going to become my go-to model for daily cooking. Outside of the Ninja models, there are some other great glass models on the market. Find them below so you can compare and contrast with the Ninja.
Other Glass Air Fryer Models We Recommend
For a Strong Front Handle
NutriChef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
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Cook With Color Digital Kitchen Air Fryer
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Best Circular Model
Nuwave Oven Pro Plus Air Fryer
Best Self Cleaning
Fritaire Non Toxic Air Fryer
Now 20% Off
Best Compact
Aroma Glass Air Fryer
Now 20% Off
Best Large Model
Boswell 7.5QT Glass Air Fryer
Now 19% Off
Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master’s in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor’s in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.
Dining and Cooking