Introduction
If you’ve ever scrolled through Jamie Oliver’s quick, healthy recipe videos or flipped through his best-selling cookbooks, you’ve probably asked yourself: What Air Fryer Does Jamie Oliver Use? The celebrity chef has spent decades advocating for accessible, low-effort home cooking that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and air fryers have become a non-negotiable staple in his kitchen for exactly that reason. Unlike traditional deep fryers, air fryers use minimal to no oil to deliver crispy, golden results, cutting down on cooking time, mess, and excess calories—all things Jamie prioritizes for busy families and home cooks of all skill levels.
In this guide, we’ll break down the exact air fryer model Jamie Oliver uses for his daily cooking and TV demonstrations, walk through its key features that make it a perfect fit for his cooking ethos, share step-by-step setup instructions, easy healthy recipes he swears by, and compare it to popular alternatives if his top pick doesn’t fit your budget or kitchen setup. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll learn how to replicate Jamie’s low-fuss, flavorful meals in your own kitchen.
- Why Jamie Oliver Loves Air Fryers for Healthy, Easy Meals
- The Exact Air Fryer Model Jamie Oliver Uses
- Key Features of Jamie’s Recommended Air Fryer
- How to Select an Air Fryer That Matches Jamie’s Cooking Style
- Step-by-Step First Use Setup for Your New Air Fryer
- Simple Healthy Recipes From Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Repertoire
- Tips for Air Fryer Success, Straight From Jamie Oliver
- Popular Air Fryer Models Compared to Jamie’s Recommendation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Pick
- Conclusion
Why Jamie Oliver Loves Air Fryers for Healthy, Easy Meals
Jamie Oliver’s entire career has been built around the idea that healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or boring. Air fryers align perfectly with that philosophy, which is why you’ll find one on his countertop at all times. Unlike deep frying, which requires liters of hot oil, lengthy preheating times, and messy cleanup, air fryers use superheated circulating air to crisp food with just a light spray of oil or no oil at all.
Jamie has often said that air fryers are a game-changer for weeknight family meals, letting him whip up crispy chicken, roasted vegetables, and even desserts in 30 minutes or less, with barely any cleanup. He also loves that air fryers cut down on the excess fat that comes with traditional frying, making it easier to serve balanced, nutritious meals to his kids without sacrificing the crispy, satisfying textures people crave. From quick side dishes to full main courses, the versatility of a good air fryer means Jamie can rely on it for almost every meal of the day, which is why he’s so particular about the model he uses.
The Exact Air Fryer Model Jamie Oliver Uses
To answer the core question What Air Fryer Does Jamie Oliver Use? for his home cooking and television demonstrations, his top recommended and most frequently used model is the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ 4-in-1 Air Fryer (model AH9002 for 1kg capacity, AH9008 for 1.6kg capacity). Jamie has been a long-time ambassador for Tefal’s ActiFry range, and he’s used the Genius+ model in his YouTube cooking series, live cooking demonstrations, and multiple cookbooks, including his dedicated Easy Air Fryer guide.
He chose this model specifically for its self-stirring paddle, which eliminates the need to shake or toss food halfway through cooking—a huge plus for busy home cooks who don’t have time to monitor their meals. It also delivers consistent, even cooking with minimal oil, which aligns perfectly with his low-fat, high-flavor cooking style. While he’s used other models like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for large batch cooking, the ActiFry Genius+ is his go-to for everyday family meals.
Key Features of Jamie’s Recommended Air Fryer
So what makes the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ the model Jamie Oliver trusts with his family’s meals? Let’s break down its most notable features, which set it apart from standard basket air fryers:
Rapid Air Circulation for Even, Crispy Results
Unlike standard air fryers that rely solely on fan-driven hot air, the ActiFry Genius+ uses Tefal’s patented rapid air circulation system paired with a slow-turning paddle to stir food gently as it cooks. This ensures every piece of food is exposed to equal heat, so you get crispy, golden results without any burnt edges or undercooked centers. Jamie has noted that this feature is especially useful for foods like fries, roasted vegetables, and small cuts of meat, which often cook unevenly in standard basket models.
Versatile Capacity Options for Every Household Size
The ActiFry Genius+ comes in two capacity options: a 1kg model perfect for 1–2 people or small families, and a 1.6kg model that can fit a whole chicken, 4 portions of fries, or a large batch of roasted vegetables for bigger households. Jamie often uses the 1.6kg model for his family of 5, as it lets him cook entire meals in one batch without having to cook in multiple rounds.
Dishwasher-Safe, Easy-Clean Components
One of Jamie’s biggest pet peeves with cooking equipment is complicated cleanup, which is why the ActiFry Genius+’s dishwasher-safe non-stick basket, paddle, and drip tray are such a big selling point. All removable parts can be tossed in the dishwasher after use, with no scrubbing required, making post-meal cleanup take less than 5 minutes. The non-stick coating is also PFOA-free, so it’s safe for regular use with no risk of harmful chemicals leaching into food.
How to Select an Air Fryer That Matches Jamie’s Cooking Style
If the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ isn’t in your budget or doesn’t fit your kitchen layout, you don’t have to miss out on the easy, healthy meals Jamie Oliver creates. When choosing an air fryer that matches his cooking style, prioritize these key factors:
Match Capacity to Your Household Size
Jamie recommends choosing a capacity that fits your regular cooking needs without being too large (which takes up unnecessary counter space) or too small (which requires cooking in multiple batches). For 1–2 people, a 2–3qt (1.8–2.8L) basket is plenty. For families of 3–4, opt for a 4–5qt (3.8–4.7L) model. For larger families or anyone who likes to meal prep, a 6qt (5.7L) or larger model is ideal.
Prioritize Even Heating and Low Maintenance
Jamie places a huge emphasis on even cooking and easy cleanup, so look for models with at least 1500W of power (for fast, even heating) and dishwasher-safe, non-stick parts. If you don’t want to shake food halfway through cooking, opt for a model with a self-stirring paddle like the ActiFry, or a basket with a unique design that circulates air evenly without manual intervention.
Step-by-Step First Use Setup for Your New Air Fryer
No matter which air fryer model you choose, proper first-time setup will ensure it performs at its best and lasts for years. Follow these steps, aligned with Jamie Oliver’s recommended setup process, to get started:
Unbox and Pre-Clean All Removable Parts
Start by unboxing your air fryer and inspecting all components (basket, paddle or crisper tray, drip tray, and accessories) to make sure nothing is damaged during shipping. Next, wash all removable parts with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before first use. This removes any dust or debris from the manufacturing process.
Run a Test Cycle to Burn Off Factory Odors
New air fryers sometimes have a faint manufacturing smell from the heating elements and non-stick coating. To remove this, place the empty basket in the air fryer, set the temperature to 200°C (400°F), and run a 10-minute cycle. You can place a small drop of oil on a paper towel inside the basket during this cycle to help burn off any residual odors faster. Once the cycle is complete, let the air fryer cool completely, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Calibrate Temperature and Time Settings
Every air fryer model runs slightly differently, so Jamie recommends doing a quick test cook with a familiar food (like frozen fries or a slice of bread) to get a feel for your model’s timing and temperature. Note if your air fryer cooks faster or slower than the preset times, and adjust future recipes accordingly to avoid over- or under-cooking your food.
Simple Healthy Recipes From Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Repertoire
One of the biggest reasons Jamie Oliver loves his Tefal ActiFry Genius+ is its versatility: he uses it for everything from quick weeknight dinners to healthy desserts. Here are three of his favorite easy, low-effort recipes you can make in any air fryer:
Crispy Herb Chicken Thighs
This no-fuss recipe is a staple in Jamie’s weekly meal rotation, and it comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with barely any prep work.
- Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then coat them in a mix of 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for extra flavor).
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, in a single layer. If your model has a paddle, set it to run; if not, you can skip shaking for this recipe.
- Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Roasted Mediterranean Veggie Bowl
This side dish is perfect for meal prep, and it comes out caramelized and tender in half the time of oven roasting.
- Chop 1 red bell pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 red onion, and 1 cup cherry tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Spread the veggies in an even layer in the air fryer basket. If your model has a paddle, set it to run; if not, shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, until the veggies are tender and lightly charred at the edges. Serve as a side dish, or toss with cooked quinoa for a full meal.
Low-Sugar Apple Crumble
Yes, you can even make dessert in your air fryer! Jamie’s low-sugar version of this classic treat is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the guilt.
- Toss 2 diced cooking apples (like Granny Smith) with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Place the mixture in a small, oven-safe ramekin that fits inside your air fryer.
- Make the crumble topping by mixing ¼ cup rolled oats, ¼ cup almond flour, 1 tbsp cold cubed butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp maple syrup with your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Place the ramekin in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving, optionally with a scoop of low-fat Greek yogurt.
Tips for Air Fryer Success, Straight From Jamie Oliver
After years of testing air fryers for his recipes and TV shows, Jamie Oliver has a few golden rules for getting the best results every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave at least an inch of space between food pieces to allow hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding leads to soggy, unevenly cooked food, no matter how good your air fryer is.
- Use a light coating of oil for crispier results: Even if a recipe calls for no oil, a light spray of cooking oil or a quick toss of food in 1 tsp of oil will help it crisp up faster and more evenly. Jamie recommends using olive oil or avocado oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Shake or toss food halfway through cooking (if your model doesn’t have a paddle): If you’re using a standard basket air fryer without a self-stirring paddle, pause the cycle halfway through cooking to shake the basket or toss the food. This ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Avoid aerosol cooking sprays on non-stick surfaces: Aerosol sprays contain propellants that can damage the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket over time. Opt for a pump-style cooking spray or brush oil directly onto food instead.
- Clean your air fryer after every use: Grease and food buildup can lead to bad smells and uneven cooking over time. Wipe down the interior and wash the basket and accessories after every use to keep your air fryer in top condition.
Popular Air Fryer Models Compared to Jamie’s Recommendation
If you’re still weighing your options, here’s a side-by-side comparison of Jamie Oliver’s top pick, the Tefal ActiFry Genius+, to three of the most popular air fryer models on the market, to help you find the best fit for your kitchen:
| Model | Capacity | Wattage | Standout Features | Approximate Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tefal ActiFry Genius+ (Jamie Oliver’s Pick) | 1kg / 1.6kg | 1500W | Self-stirring paddle, 8 preset programs, dishwasher-safe non-stick parts, low-oil cooking | $150–$200 | Even cooking without shaking, ideal for family meals, low mess, aligns with Jamie’s low-oil cooking ethos | Slightly slower than high-wattage models for very small batches |
| Philips Premium Airfryer XXL | 1.36kg / 3lb | 1750W | Fat Removal Technology, 10 preset programs, large capacity, fast cooking | $250–$300 | Excellent for large batches, removes excess fat from food, fast preheat times | Higher price point, heavier and larger footprint |
| Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 3.78L / 4qt | 1550W | 4 preset programs, ceramic coated basket, compact design | $100–$130 | Affordable, durable ceramic coating, compact for small kitchens | Smaller capacity, no self-stirring paddle, requires shaking halfway through cooking |
| Cosori Pro II Air Fryer | 5.5L / 5.8qt | 1700W | 12 preset programs, app-enabled controls, large capacity | $120–$150 | Very large capacity, smart app integration, budget-friendly for its size | App can be glitchy, larger footprint takes up more counter space |
Frequently Asked Questions About Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Pick
Is the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ the only air fryer Jamie Oliver uses?
No, while the ActiFry Genius+ is his daily driver for family meals and most recipe testing, Jamie has also used the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL for large batch cooking, such as when filming content for big groups or catering events. That said, the ActiFry is the model he recommends most frequently to home cooks for its ease of use and consistent results.
Can I use the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ to make recipes from Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks?
Absolutely. Nearly all of Jamie’s air fryer-specific recipes, including those in his 5 Ingredients Mediterranean and Easy Air Fryer cookbooks, are tested specifically with the Tefal ActiFry range. The preset programs on the Genius+ align exactly with his recommended cooking times and temperatures, so you’ll get the same results he shows in his videos.
Is the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ worth the investment?
If you cook for 2–4 people regularly and prioritize low-effort, even cooking with minimal cleanup, the Genius+ is well worth the price. Its self-stirring paddle eliminates the need to shake or toss food halfway through cooking, which is a huge time-saver for busy weeknights. The dishwasher-safe parts also cut down on cleanup time, which aligns with Jamie’s ethos of making cooking as low-stress as possible.
What’s the difference between the Tefal ActiFry and a standard basket air fryer?
Standard basket air fryers rely on hot air circulation alone, which often requires you to shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The Tefal ActiFry Genius+ has a built-in rotating paddle that automatically stirs food as it cooks, so you get crispy, evenly cooked results without any manual intervention. This makes it ideal for foods like fries, roasted veggies, and small cuts of meat that tend to cook unevenly in standard basket models.
Can I cook frozen food in Jamie Oliver’s recommended air fryer?
Yes, in fact, Jamie often recommends cooking frozen vegetables, fries, and even pre-marinated chicken directly in the ActiFry Genius+ for quick, healthy weeknight sides. The preset programs for frozen foods are calibrated to cook items through without drying them out, and the paddle ensures even cooking without the need to thaw first.
Are there any budget-friendly alternatives to Jamie Oliver’s top air fryer pick?
Yes, if the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ is outside your budget, the Ninja AF101 and Cosori Pro II are both excellent alternatives that deliver similar crispy, healthy results. While they don’t have the self-stirring paddle, they still cook food quickly and evenly with minimal oil, and most of Jamie’s recipes will work perfectly in these models with a quick shake halfway through cooking.
Conclusion
If you’ve been asking yourself What Air Fryer Does Jamie Oliver Use? to create his easy, healthy, flavorful meals, the Tefal ActiFry Genius+ is the clear answer. Its self-stirring paddle, even heating, easy-clean design, and versatile capacity make it the perfect tool for home cooks who want to replicate Jamie’s low-fuss, low-fat cooking style without the hassle of deep frying or lengthy oven cooking times.
Even if you can’t invest in Jamie’s top pick right now, the tips, recipes, and buying guidance in this guide will help you get the same great results with any air fryer model. Air fryers are one of the most versatile, budget-friendly tools you can add to your kitchen, and with a little practice, you’ll be whipping up healthy, crispy meals in no time—just like Jamie Oliver.
Note: Prices and product availability are accurate as of 2024 and may vary based on retailer and region.