Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Easy Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe – tender, crispy, and cooked in no time! A gourmet meal for the holidays yet easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 524kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens (1.5-1.75 lbs each)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Dry Rub
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ teaspoon rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon thyme
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
For Cavity
- 2 rosemary sprigs (for cavity)
- 2 garlic cloves, slightly smashed (for cavity)
- ½ lemon, cut in half (for cavity)
Instructions
- Pat Cornish hens dry with a paper towel and place on a plate in the refrigerator for 1 hour to overnight. This is optional but will make for crisper skin.
- When ready to air fry, preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each of the Cornish hens.
- Mix all herbs and spices in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning all over the oiled hens.
- Place a sprig of rosemary, 2 garlic coves, slightly smashed and ¼ lemon into the cavity.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil such as avocado or olive oil.
- Place the Cornish hens breast side down into the air fryer.
- Air fry for 20 minutes then flip them over and air fry for another 15-20 minutes When they are done, they should reach a temperature of 165°F when the digital thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the hen.
- Remove from the air fryer, turn them breast side up, and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the lemon quarter from the cavity and squeeze over the hens.
- Serve on a plate garnished with rosemary sprigs and lemon slices.
Notes
IMPORTANT TIPS
- Prioritize Thawing: Ensure the Cornish hens are completely defrosted before cooking.
- Dry Them: Pat the skin of your hens dry before coating them with oil.
- Begin with the Breast Down
- Monitor Temperature: Always check the hen's internal temperature. It's ready when it reads 165°F at the meat's thickest part.
Nutrition
Calories: 524kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 227mg | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
