Channel 4’s new two-part series Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Meals has proved surprising controversial.
The TV chef, 48, is on a mission to teach the world how to make the most of air fryers – a device an estimated 12million UK households now own, and one that provides a healthy alternative to deep frying foods.
While originally marketed as providing a low fat way to cook chips, people have since realised air fryers can be used like a mini-oven to bake and even grill many foods.
But with their bulky design, small interiors and being notoriously troublesome to wash, regardless of their statistical popularity, these sturdy kitchen must-haves are a contentious topic among kitchen dwellers.
Jamie just proved as much on social media as the first part of his series aired – yes, aired – this evening and viewers took to social media in a hot rage.
The show saw the 15 Minute Meals star create a curry fusion Sunday roast in the gadget, and he even baked a meringue with ice cream inside, demonstrating the device’s impressive versatility.
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 making documentaries on contentious plastic ovens, having broadcast four in the space of three months.
Others were concerned about how many air fryers were harmed in the making 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 cooked up a story with multiple air fryers, most people only have one air fryer – or else kitchens with the surface area 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.
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