Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has revealed a simple air fryer hack that takes just 30 seconds to learn and promises to 'max out flavour and efficiency'. The technique involves layering ingredients within the appliance to cook multiple items simultaneously without extra time or energy.
How the Hack Works
In a brief video posted on his Facebook page, Oliver demonstrates placing herbs and spices at the bottom of the air fryer, then inserting the tray and placing the main ingredient—such as sweet potato—on top. This allows the flavours to infuse from below while the top cooks. 'Me and my team pushed the air fryer to its limit,' Oliver explains. 'One of those ways was having thinned cooking of the top of that little tray and having other things reheating at the bottom.'
Maximising Flavour and Efficiency
Oliver suggests using this method for meat or fish dripping onto beans, chickpeas, or tomatoes below. 'You can really max out flavour and efficiency really fast,' he says. The approach enables cooking two separate items at once, saving time and energy. Followers have responded enthusiastically, with one commenting, 'Just cooked the salmon with salsa dish for our evening meal it was delicious.' Another added, 'Awesome. Cooking in layers. I use mine a lot mostly meats potatoes.'
Additional Tips from Gordon Ramsay
This culinary advice follows similar tips from fellow chef Gordon Ramsay, who shared his technique for a perfect crispy fried egg with runny yolk. Ramsay recommends starting with a knob of butter in a frying pan, melting it, then reducing heat and adding salt and pepper before cracking in the egg. The butter mixture serves as a basting liquid, locking in flavour. Once the egg is in the pan, increase heat and wait for edges to bubble and crisp. For extra flavour, Ramsay suggests a pinch of chilli flakes. He demonstrates basting the yolk with melted butter and spices, saying, 'All I do now is literally get the butter, shake that pan gently, and just baste the egg whites around the yolk. And that helps cook.' He adds, 'Sometimes, with that raw egg white near the yolk, it can feel a bit icky, but the best trick is to use the spoon and lavish your egg with it. Check that out – the blistering look is incredible.'
Community Response
Oliver's followers have embraced the hack, with one user sharing, 'I have a shelf style air fryer and love it.' Another said, 'Just bought some air fryers for school and your book arrived yesterday... it's beautiful. Looking forward to trying out some of your dishes.' The posts have garnered widespread approval, highlighting the growing popularity of air fryer cooking and the demand for efficient, flavourful techniques.
