Skip to Content

What does air crisp do on Ninja air fryer?

Air crisp is a feature found on Ninja air fryers that allows you to make crispy fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil. The air crisp technology circulates super hot air around food to create a crispy, golden finish that rivals deep frying. Here’s a closer look at how air crisp works and why it’s a popular feature on Ninja air fryers.

How Does Air Crisp Work?

Air crisp technology uses rapid air circulation and high heat to crisp up foods. Here are the key aspects of how it works:

  • Superhot Air – Ninja air fryers can heat up to 450°F. This high heat helps foods get crispy and browned.
  • High-Speed Fan – A powerful fan circulates air through the cooking chamber up to 3.5 times per second. This constant flow of hot air surrounds food for all-over crisping.
  • Air Fry Basket – Food cooks in a mesh basket that allows maximum airflow. The abundance of hot air touching all surfaces of food is what creates crispiness.

By combining powerful heat and constant hot air circulation, foods come out with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior when using air crisp. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying with oil.

Benefits of Air Crisp

Here are some of the benefits that the air crisp function brings to Ninja air fryers:

  • Crispy Results – Air crisp delivers crunchy fried textures without submerging food in oil.
  • Faster Cooking – Super hot air cooks food faster than a traditional oven.
  • Versatility – Make everything from fries and chicken wings to pastries with a crispy finish.
  • Lower Fat – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying, resulting in lower fat intake.

Air crisp allows you to achieve the same crispy crunch of deep fried foods but in a healthier way. The technology removes the need for all the oil used in traditional frying.

What Foods Can You Air Crisp?

A wide variety of foods work well with air crisp cooking. Here are some of the most popular air crisp options:

  • French fries
  • Chicken wings
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Fish fillets and fish sticks
  • Potato chips
  • Onion rings
  • Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Zucchini sticks
  • Egg rolls
  • Wontons
  • Pizza rolls
  • Empanadas
  • Popcorn chicken
  • Meat cutlets
  • Bacon
  • Sausages
  • Pastries like cinnamon rolls, pies, turnovers

These are just a few examples. Many breaded or battered foods do well in the air fryer thanks to that crispy exterior air crisp creates. You can also air crisp roasted vegetables, frittatas, homemade potato chips, and more.

Tips for Getting the Best Air Crisp Results

Follow these tips when using air crisp:

  • Use a small amount of oil – Lightly brushing or misting foods with oil ensures even browning and crisping.
  • Flip food midway – Turn food over during cooking to expose all sides to airflow for crisping.
  • Work in batches – Avoid overcrowding the cooking basket which can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Toss foods like fries – Partway through cooking, open basket and toss fries or other foods to improve crisping.
  • Brush pastries with egg – Egg wash gives pastries like pies and rolls a crispy, golden-brown finish.
  • Pat foods dry – Remove any excess moisture from food before air crisping for best texture.
  • Use air fryer presets – Take advantage of built-in air fryer programs that have customized time and temp.

Getting the timing right for your favorite foods may take some trial and error. But once you get the hang of air crisping, you can enjoy quick and easy fried foods at home.

How Air Crisp Compares to Other Cooking Functions

Ninja air fryers include other cooking functions in addition to air crisp. Here’s how air crisp compares:

Function How It Works Best Uses
Air Crisp Rapid hot air circulation cooks and crisps foods. Fried foods, breaded foods, vegetables.
Bake Hot air circulates to evenly bake foods. Baked goods, casseroles.
Roast High heat and air circulation roasts meats and veggies. Whole chickens, roasts, root vegetables.
Broil Direct top-down high heat for charring and caramelization. Steaks, burgers, seafood, vegetables.
Dehydrate Low consistent heat and airflow dries out foods. Fruit leathers, dried veggies, jerky.
Reheat Gentle heat brings leftover foods back up to temperature. Pizza, fried foods, casseroles.

Air crisp is best suited for getting that crispy crunch on foods. For moist baking like cakes, use bake. To make jerky, use dehydrate. Refer to this guide to select the optimal function for what you’re cooking.

Common Myths and Questions About Air Crisp

There are some common myths and questions that come up with air crisp technology. Here are some truths behind the myths:

Myth: Air crisp is the same as convection baking.

This is false. While convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, the air crisp function gets air flowing much faster for increased browning and crisping. Air fryers reach much higher temps than convection modes.

Myth: You need oil for air crisping.

You can air crisp foods with no oil since the circulating hot air provides all the crisping action. But using a small amount of oil helps distribute heat evenly and improves browning.

Question: Is air crisp healthy?

Air crisp is healthier than deep frying which submerges foods in oil. But air fried foods are still considered fried foods and are higher in fat and calories than other cooking methods like baking. Enjoy air crisp foods in moderation.

Question: How is air crisp different from rotisserie?

Rotisserie cooking uses a rotating spit to spin food continuously as it cooks. Air crisp relies on a powerful fan circulating hot air around the food for even crisping.

Tips for Using Air Crisp

Here are final tips for unlocking the full potential of air crisp cooking:

  • Preheat properly – Allow the air fryer to fully preheat before adding food for best results.
  • Flip and toss – Turn over or shake foods midway through cooking for even browning.
  • Use air fryer liners – Liners make cleanup easy and prevent smaller pieces from falling through basket.
  • Adjust cook times – Because air fryers cook faster, reduce oven cook times by about 20-25%.
  • Keep an eye on cooking – Check food a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
  • Let food rest – Allow air crisp foods to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking so steam can escape.

In just a few uses, you’ll have the timing, temps, and techniques for air crisping mastered. Then you can enjoy your favorite fried flavors the quick and convenient air fryer way.

Conclusion

Thanks to advanced air crisp technology, Ninja air fryers can create crispy fried textures without all the oil used in traditional frying. The superhot air rapidly circulating in the cooking chamber gives foods an ultra-crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Air crisp cooking also cuts cooking times compared to using the oven. With a little practice, you can make everyday and specialty fried foods in your Ninja air fryer using air crisp to cut fat and calories without sacrificing crunch and flavor.