Jamie Oliver reveals air fryer hack for 'most succulent' chicken

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has shared his secret to cooking a whole roast chicken in an air fryer, and it promises both juicy meat and perfectly crispy skin. Previously appearing on ITV's Lorraine, Oliver admitted that many people are sceptical about fitting and roasting a whole bird in the compact appliance. But he insisted that with a simple preparation trick, the results can rival those of a traditional oven.

His key step is to flatten the chicken before cooking. By pressing down firmly to break the backbone, the bird opens up and sits flatter in the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking and reducing the risk of the breast meat drying out.

"The tip to avoid the breast catching is to push down on the chicken to break the backbone and squash it down," Oliver said.

"What we want to do is turn the chicken halfway through.

"Okay, that's going to guarantee you not just the most succulent meat, but also really crispy, crispy skin."

Air fryers have soared in popularity in recent years, with many home cooks using them as an energy-efficient alternative to ovens.

While they are often associated with quick snacks or sides, Oliver's method shows that larger, more traditional meals can be mastered too.

The hack is also in line with Oliver's philosophy of making home cooking more accessible, offering a simple adjustment that transforms the end result without the need for specialist equipment.

With Sunday roasts being a British staple, Oliver's advice may inspire more households to swap their oven for the gadget when cooking chicken.

By combining energy efficiency, speed, and the promise of crisp golden skin, the air fryer chicken hack could become a new favourite in kitchens across the country.