Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Show Sparks Viewer Discontent in Repeat Broadcast
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver faced backlash from viewers on Monday evening, March 31st, as Channel 4 re-aired his program, Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals. This cooking show, originally broadcast last year, showcases recipes prepared using the popular countertop appliance. However, Oliver’s interpretations of classic dishes, including roast chicken and Baked Alaska, left some viewers distinctly unimpressed and sparked online criticism for the air fryer focused programme.
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
As the hour-long special was broadcast, numerous viewers took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice their discontent. Among the grievances, some viewers took issue with Oliver’s plating choices. One user posted: “Can @Argos_Online send a dinner set to Jamie Oliver please. The poor lad’s eating off a reclaimed floor board. It can’t be healthy all that old creosote soaking into his air fried chicken.”
Another viewer expressed dismay at the perceived messiness of the preparations, commenting: “Easy knowing Jamie Oliver doesn’t have to clean these air fryers afterwards. Straight into the bin #Jamiesairfryermeals.”
A further viewer challenged Oliver’s enthusiastic descriptions of the food, stating: “Watching Jamie Oliver is like watching a 2nd hand car salesman with a frying pan. Everything’s amazing. No it isn’t!”
Divisive Reception and Product Placement
The two-part cooking show initially generated considerable debate during its first airing. Due to sponsorship from Tefal, Channel 4 included an on-screen notification at the beginning of the initial episode informing viewers: “This programme contains product placement.”
The series synopsis promoted the show as: “[Jamie] shows us how to elevate our culinary credentials with the latest kitchen craze, as he brings us some delicious dishes and innovative ways to make the most of our air fryers.” Despite the initial negative feedback, the broadcaster evidently considered the program suitable for a repeat showing in a prime time slot.
Recipes Featured in the Episode
Episode One Dishes
Episode one showcased Oliver utilizing the air fryer to prepare a variety of recipes, including Prosciutto Baked Fish, Cheddar Cheese & Chive Scones, Kerala-style Roast Chicken, Gnarly Pork & Pineapple Noodles, and Peach Alaska. While broadcast again on television, both episodes of the show are also accessible on the Channel 4 streaming platform.
Episode Two Dishes
Episode two features Oliver employing the popular appliance to cook chicken and mushroom pastry parcels, charred vegetables with fluffy flatbread, herb-stuffed salmon, “steamy chicken in a bag,” and a “lusciously layered choccy burnt cheesecake.”
Celebrity Chef Poppy O’Toole’s Appearance
The show also includes appearances from TikTok personality and chef Poppy O’Toole, who has also authored an air fryer cookbook. O’Toole’s cookbook, “Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Air Fryer Cookbook,” achieved Sunday Times Bestseller status upon its release.
