Channel 4’s new two-part documentary Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Meals has sparked unexpected backlash.
The 48-year-old TV chef is on a mission to teach the world how to make the best use of air fryers, which are now in an estimated 12 million UK households and provide a healthier alternative to deep-frying dishes.
While air fryers were initially marketed as a low-fat way to cook chips, customers discovered that they can also be used as a mini-oven to bake and grill a variety of dishes.
Despite their statistical popularity, these long-lasting kitchen staples are a source of contention among homeowners due to their heavy construction, narrow interiors, and reputation for being difficult to clean.
Jamie recently proved it on social media, when the first segment of his series aired this evening, and viewers went crazy.
During the episode, the 15 Minute Meals star used the gadget to make a curry fusion Sunday roast and even bake a meringue with ice cream, demonstrating the device’s incredible adaptability.
However, some viewers simply mocked the concept of the show for being as dry as the food air fryers can sometimes produce.
‘There’s a show on @Channel4 where Jamie Oliver cooks dishes in an air fryer. This is what you get when Phil from marketing asks a focus group and ChatGPT to come up with a cooking show,’ commented @CorkGourmetGuy.
‘Bloody hell now Ch4 have Jamie Oliver a programme with an air fryer. Just waiting now for the BBC to commission Saturday Morning With An Airfryer,’ quipped @mja_owl.
Indeed, Channel 5 recently turned up the heat on its air fryer content and can’t stop producing documentaries about contentious plastic ovens, having broadcast four in three months.
Others were concerned about the number of air fryers harmed during the production of the programme.
‘Should show you washing out those #airfryers #jamieoliver. Chucking honey and sesame seeds in,’ commented @grave66306, while @AdamGiddins added: ‘You can tell Jamie Oliver doesn’t have to clean his own airfryer… grating cheese straight into the drawer?? Monster!!!’
Viewers pointed out that, while Jamie created a story featuring multiple air fryers, most people only have one air fryer – or kitchens the size of Mars.
‘Air fryer meals is all well and good, but you’ve used a number of different Fryers all ready! We don’t all have a sponsor giving us a different sized device for every meal!’ commented @MartinStaley.
Some were concerned that Jamie’s love of the clunky culinary beasts might not come from a wholly genuine place, as the show is made in association with cookware company Tefal who sell a line of pans endorsed by the chef.
‘Should be called Jamie Oliver and the hour long Tefal advert,’ wrote @Lofty2332.
A few days back Jamie promoted his new show on social media, as he wrote: ‘My new show, Jamie’s Air-Fryer Meals with @tefal.uk is starting THIS MONDAY at 8pm on @channel4 !!!
‘The show is packed with air fryer recipes as well as time-saving tips and hacks, so get ready to raise the bar when it comes to your air fryer know-how lovely people! And don’t forget you can stream the show too… link is in my bio.’
That’s enough air fryer for one day.