Crispy and Delicious Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Discover a new culinary adventure and indulge in a delicious air fryer Cornish hen recipe that will leave you craving for more. Satisfy your protein needs and savor the taste of tender meat wrapped in crispy skin that melts in your mouth.

If you are a fan of chicken, then this dish will quickly become your new favorite. Forget about boring and bland chicken recipes, and try this unique Cornish hen recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and make you feel like a gourmet chef in no time. Discover other air fryer recipes on our website that are simple and easy to make.

If your Cornish hen is a bit tough to handle, don't worry, we've got you covered. Check out our Ninja Foodi Cornish Hen recipe that allows for pressure cooking and air crisping. However, if that option is not for you, then try cooking it in the air fryer. Start by heating the air fryer to 200 degrees F for 17 minutes, or until the hen is mostly defrosted. Then increase the temperature to 360 F, spray with olive oil, and season. Air fry the hen for 15 minutes until the skin is crispy. Turn it over, spray, season, and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

While it is possible to make smaller pieces like air fryer leg quarters or frozen chicken wings in the air fryer, there is something special about these cute little birds. You can relish the entire bird yourself and indulge in a healthy meal that is low in fat, yet full of flavor.

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, season the bird with your preferred dry rub, and let the air fryer work its magic. The result? Crispy, flavorful skin that is simply irresistible.

Cornish hens can usually be found in your local grocery store, wrapped in brightly colored wrappers, and sold individually. If you are a member of Costco, you can buy them in bulk when on sale.

Regardless of how they look, Cornish hens are easy to make and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, smoking, or air frying. Add our chicken marinade for an extra touch of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Don't forget to use non-stick spray on the air fryer basket to avoid the disappointment of finding crispy skin stuck on the bottom, which only leads to frustration and unnecessary waste.

Is Cornish hen healthy? Yes, it actually has less fat than larger chicken breeds while still retaining its rich taste. Satisfy your hunger and eat healthily with this delicious Cornish hen recipe.

For this preparation, a modest medley of seasonings was employed. Simply combine them and evenly sprinkle over both the top and bottom of your hens. You may use a bit of olive or vegetable oil to help the rub adhere to the outer skin.

Some people argue about whether or not to rinse your poultry, as it could potentially spread bacteria. Personally, I rinse it quickly to remove any excess juices from the outside, as long as I'm not splashing all over my kitchen.

A helpful tip: whether or not you rinse, it's best to dry the outside of your hens with paper towels. Especially when air frying, excess moisture will impede achieving a crispy texture, akin to traditional fried chicken.

I opt to use olive oil for all my cooking needs, but when baking I switch to vegetable oil. It's perfect for binding the seasonings to the hens and if you're keen on extra crispiness, a little more oil can be spritzed at the end.

I've included some step-by-step photos to show you how this is accomplished. Naturally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your hens, but around 20 minutes should do for pressure cooking alone. If you're keen on utilizing the air fryer function as well, add on an additional 17 minutes at the beginning to ensure perfection. Follow our Ninja Foodi Cornish hen recipe for all the specifics.

These little birds are sometimes referred to as game hens, but they're all the same thing. If you don't feel like mixing together your own rub, ready-made dry poultry rubs are readily available and quite tasty.

Start by rinsing your cornish hens and carefully patting them dry. Use a brush to evenly coat tops, bottoms, and the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil. In a separate bowl, combine your seasonings or use any of your preferred choices. Rub the mixture onto all sides of one or both hens until everything is coated. Place them in the basket with the breast facing down and cook at 350 degrees F for a total of 35 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip them over so the breast faces upwards. The cooking time may range anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes depending on the size of your hens.

Once done, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part should register at least 165 degrees F to ensure it's safe to eat. Allow the hens to rest for five minutes before slicing or consuming. One hen typically serves one to two people depending on appetite and size. My kids usually share one, while my husband needs one to himself.

Pro tip: always double-check the temperature before serving. If it's not high enough, cook for an additional three to four minutes before checking again. Overall, air-fried cornish hens are a hassle-free, one-pot meal that is ready in under 45 minutes. I like to serve mine with air fryer broccoli, asparagus, or even make some biscuits in the air fryer.

The Perfect Cornish Hen: Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

Looking for a delicious, high-protein single serving meal? Check out this tantalizing air fryer recipe for Cornish hen—it's sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

Course: Entrée, Main Course

Keywords: Air Fryer, Cornish Hen, Game Hen, Ninja Foodi

To get started, rinse the Cornish hens and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a brush, coat the tops and undersides of the hens with oil (making sure breast side is down). Don't forget to brush the inside of the basket too!

Then, in a bowl, mix together all the seasonings and rub this flavorful blend onto every side of the hens (including the insides). Put them in the air fryer basket with the breast side facing down and cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 35 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the hens over to ensure that the breast side faces up.

When the hens have finished cooking, make sure to double-check their internal temperature (they should reach 165 F). Once they've hit this temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for five minutes before carving.

How to Cook Frozen Cornish Game Hens:

To cook frozen Cornish game hens, start by setting the temperature to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 17 minutes, or until they are mostly defrosted. Then increase the temperature to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, spray the hens with olive oil, and add seasonings. Crisp them for 15 minutes, then turn them over, spray them again with oil, and cook for another 10-15 minutes (until they reach 165 F).

Enjoy!

Serving Size: (2 oz)

Calories: 331 Calories from Fat 693

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Don't forget to share this amazing recipe with your friends and family via email, print, or Pin it to your Pinterest board!