Between 2021 and 2022, the demand for air fryers increased by more than 3,000%. Air fryer recipes and testimonials have a chokehold on our social feeds; the word “air fryer” is hash-tagged in over 8.5 billion TikTok posts. Some models (we’re looking at you, Ninja Foodi) have become status symbols, as desirable as the fanciest espresso machines.

Thank goodness, then, for new documentary Air Fryers: Are They Worth It?, Channel 4’s deep dive into our preoccupation with a gadget that purports to deliver high-crunch dishes using less oil, while deploying far less energy than you would with a full-size oven.

It’s estimated that up to one-third of UK households have one of the appliances in their kitchen. But when it comes to the crunch, are they just gathering dust on our counters or are they they’re the domestic MVP they claim to be?

Over the course of the programme, presenter Denise van Outen looks at the science behind the new tech, discovering what you can and can’t cook in them, test drives a few of the models herself and meets a variety of air fryer fanatics – perhaps the most evangelical of all kitchen gadget disciples.

Still wondering what all the fuss is about? Whether you’re a converted air fryer enthusiast or need some more convincing, be sure to tune into Air Fryers: Are They Worth It? on Friday 23 June at 8pm on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/108).

The power of the air fryer comes from its ability to deliver tasty, easy and healthy dishes straight to your table without breaking a sweat. And even celebrities love them, with the likes of Sir Mo Farah and Drew Barrymore going as far as to design their own versions.

Some big names have taken to social media to profess their love for the tech, sharing delicious recipes for their fans to replicate at home. If you’re new to the air fryer game or simply looking for some food inspiration, check out our favourite dishes from the stars below. Who said you need to hire a personal chef to eat like a celebrity?

Drew Barrymore’s lemony salmon with asparagus

Barrymore is considered something of an air fryer connoisseur within A-list circles. The Santa Clarita Diet actress even created a bestselling and aesthetically pleasing kitchen range Beautiful By Drew, which includes an air fryer in a variety of pastel shades. But this appliance doesn’t just make your countertop look pretty – it’s fantastic for whipping up breezy summer dishes like this citrusy salmon.

Oprah Winfrey’s veggie burger and fries

You know you’ve made it big when you feature on Oprah Winfrey’s annual Favourite Things list, with the air fryer receiving a coveted spot back in 2020. And when the talk show host isn’t interviewing the stars or hosting a book club, she can be found cooking up a storm in her kitchen. It turns out Winfrey has been a superfan of the air fryer for years, sharing a snap of her healthy spin on a veggie burger and fries.

Gordon Ramsay’s gourmet turkey sliders

Need a quick meal for hectic weeknights? Then look no further than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s deliciously simple turkey sliders that all the family can grab on the go. You can even pick up some extra cooking methods from Chef Ramsay himself! Plus, for restaurant-style grub on a budget, don’t miss Ramsay’s fancy air fryer recipes including the viral coffee and chilli-rubbed ribeye steak.

Chrissy Teigen’s Thanksgiving dishes

Model, TV personality and wife to singer-songwriter John Legend received rave reviews for her cookbook Cravings. Filled to the brim with culinary tips and tricks, Teigen’s delicious Thanksgiving roast chicken, crispy shallots, brussels sprouts and butter roasted mushroom air fryer recipes would impress the most critical of cooks. Bon appétit!

Amy Childs’ pizza baguettes

As a busy mum of four and businesswoman, TOWIE star and self-proclaimed air fryer fan Amy Childs knows the importance of cooking hacks when it comes to feeding her growing family. And this inventive twist on pizza baguettes is sure to satisfy any fast-food cravings, giving you more time to relax instead of washing up.

Jamie Oliver and Karan Gokani’s cauliflower curry

It’s well known that the “Naked Chef” can whip up a storm in the kitchen. That’s why the nation went nuts for this cauliflower curry, a beautiful and budget-friendly dish created with the help of lawyer-turned-chef Karan Gokani. And at just 84p per portion for four people, it tastes better than a takeaway for a fraction of the cost. Yum!

The Hairy Bikers’ air fryer chips

The Hairy Bikers have travelled far and wide to sample mouth-watering cuisine. But sometimes you just can’t beat those home comforts, as one half of Hairy Bikers’ Dave knows all too well. His perfected chips recipe delivers delicious potato goodness every time, and those little extra steps of pre-soaking and shaking your chips are a worthwhile effort for the ultimate crispy bite.

When is Air Fryers: Are They Worth It? on TV?

You can catch Denise van Outen in Air Fryers: Are They Worth It? on Friday 23 June at 8pm on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/108).