Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Name: Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 Cornish hens; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon chili seasoning (divided)

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Yes, you can air fry Cornish hens! Our Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe is easy and straightforward, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time. With its crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, this recipe for Cornish game hens in the air fryer is irresistibly delicious. It requires only three ingredients and is ready in just 35 minutes!

Air fryer cornish hen on a dinner plate with fresh vegetables.

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Cornish Hen in Air Fryer
What is a Cornish hen?
Ingredients
Watch the Video
How to Air Fry Cornish Hen
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Oven Instructions
Air Fryer Thanksgiving
Tips
Can I use frozen Cornish hens?
Cornish Hen Seasoning
Favorite Side Dishes for Cornish Hens
Storage Instructions
FAQ
Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Feedback

Cornish Hen in Air Fryer

Cornish hens are a classic choice for both a small holiday meal and an effortless weeknight dinner. Now, they're easier than ever to prepare in the air fryer! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these air fryer Cornish hens are as delicious as rotisserie chicken, but much simpler to make at home.

Enjoy them as they are, accompanied by a plate of gorgeous mashed potatoes and Air Fryer Asparagus, or shred the meat for use in tacos, rice bowls, salads, and more. You can't go wrong cooking Cornish hens in the air fryer!

What is a Cornish hen?

Despite what the name might lead you to believe, Cornish hens are not Cornish at all. In fact, they're not even a separate breed of bird from chickens! Cornish game hens are young chickens weighing under two pounds. They are not a separate species or breed of chicken; rather, they are young broiler chickens—your classic chicken raised for meat—that are smaller in size compared to standard chickens. Their small size and flavorful meat make them a popular choice for small dinner parties or individual servings.

Ingredients

Cornish hens: You will need fresh, not frozen, Cornish hens for this recipe. If you have frozen hens, we recommend thawing them first. See our section on "Can I use frozen Cornish hens?" below.
Olive oil: You can also use avocado oil or another high smoke point oil.
Chili seasoning: We use our favorite chili seasoning for this dish - it adds a ton of flavor! For other seasoning suggestions, see "Cornish Hen Seasoning", below.

Watch the Video

How to Air Fry Cornish Hen

Prepping two cornish hens for air fryer.

Step 1 - Pat Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2 - Divide olive oil between Cornish hens, and rub the hens with the oil so they are evenly coated.

Two seasoned cornish hens on wooden cutting boardr ready to air fry.

Step 3 - Rub each hen with ½ of your chili seasoning, coating the entire surface of each hen.

Two seasoned cornish hens in air fryer basket ready to cook.

Step 4 - Place the Cornish hens breast side up in the air fryer basket.

Two cornish hens cooking in air fryer basket.

Step 5 - Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn each hen over breast side down, and continue air frying for an additional 10 minutes.

Temperature probe inserted into thigh of air fryer cornish hen 166 degrees F.

Step 6 - Check the internal temperature of the hens using an instant read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat, without touching the bone. When the thigh meat registers 165°F they are done cooking. Continue cooking until the proper temperature is reached, if needed.

Crispy skinned cornish hens in air fryer basket ready to serve.

Step 7 - Remove the hens from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy after resting!

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Oven Instructions

Pat Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels.
Divide olive oil between Cornish hens, and rub the hens with the oil so they are evenly coated.
Rub each hen with ½ of your chili seasoning, coating the entire surface of each hen.
Place hens on the air fryer oven tray breast side up. For easier cleanup, we recommend placing a small baking sheet lined with foil on the rack below the hens, to catch any drippings.
Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, flip each hen over breast side down, and continue air frying for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Check the internal temperature of the hens using an instant read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat, without touching the bone. When the thigh meat of the hens registers at 165°F, or the breast meat at 150°F, they are done cooking. Continue cooking until the proper temperature is reached, if needed.
Remove the hens from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy after resting!

slices of air fryer whole chicken on a plate with stuffing mashed potatoes and green beans

Air Fryer Thanksgiving

With more than 15 recipes, it's easy to make your entire holiday dinner in the air fryer!

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Tips

Make sure to pat the hens dry before seasoning. This helps crisp the skin as they air fry.
It is important to use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hens.
Allow the hens to rest after cooking for best results.
Avoid using a non-stick cooking spray with additives as this might break down the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket. For this recipe, you should rub the hens with oil and seasoning separately, instead. There is no need to spray the basket for this recipe.
Cook time may vary depending on your specific model of air fryer.
Recipe time and temperature is based on a cold air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.

Can I use frozen Cornish hens?

Many grocery stores only sell game hens frozen; however, this recipe is for fresh Cornish game hens. If yours are frozen, we recommend thawing them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Place them on a tray or in a shallow dish in the refrigerator to catch any drippings as they thaw.

If you don't have the time to thaw them overnight, then you can use a cold water bath. First place the wrapped hens in an airtight plastic bag with the air pressed out. This prevents water from leaking through. Change the water out every 30 minutes so it remains cold. Never thaw poultry at room temperature, as it can promote the growth of bacteria.

Half of an air fryer cornish hen on dinner plate with veggies.

Cornish Hen Seasoning

We use a boldly flavorful chili seasoning mix for our Air Fryer Cornish Hens, but you can use any seasoning mix you like best! Other great choices are lemon pepper seasoning, classic poultry seasoning with sage, or a simple mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, to taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are also a great choice for seasoning Cornish hens. Mix your homemade spices in a small bowl before applying to the hens.

Essentially mini rotisserie chickens, you can season these hens just as you would season regular chicken!

Lemon and herb seasoning: Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, and tarragon, to create a bright and citrus-y seasoning mix.
Mediterranean seasoning: Mix paprika with cumin, coriander, and a touch of oregano for an aromatic spice blend. Even better if you pair it with a cucumber and feta salad on the side!
Asian-inspired seasoning: Make a marinade using soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. Coat the hens in the marinade and let them marinate for about 30 minutes to one hour before cooking. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds!
Smoky BBQ seasoning: Use your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning blend with smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin! Pair with BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor.
Honey mustard glaze: Make a glaze using honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Brush it over the Cornish hens as they cook for a sweet and tangy coating.
Classic Italian seasoning: Season hens with a blend of dried Italian herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme. Add sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese for incredible flavor.

Favorite Side Dishes for Cornish Hens

Air Fryer Asparagus: Flavorful and crisp asparagus is a classic choice for pairing with roast Cornish hens. Give our recipe a try!
Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions: With crispy, creamy potatoes and deliciously soft onions, this recipe makes a great side dish for Cornish hens.
Air Fryer Broccoli: Broccoli is an excellent side dish for Cornish game hens, and our air fryer broccoli is the perfect way to make crisp, tasty broccoli! Alternatively, you might enjoy our Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes: If you're air frying Cornish game hens for the holidays, definitely give these sweet potato cubes a try as a side dish.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: You are truly going to love these flavorful, easy smashed potatoes. Try them with these Cornish hens for a special treat!
Try all of our Air Fryer Vegetables!

Storage Instructions

Allow the Cornish hens to cool to room temperature before you attempt to store them in the fridge.

Remove any remaining meat from the bones, and add it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers by adding them to a freezer-safe container, such as freezer bags with the air pressed out. Freeze for 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw first if frozen, then add to the air fryer and cook for several minutes until heated through. We do not recommend reheating in the microwave if you have leftover skin, as it will not remain crisp.

FAQ

Can I use other seasonings for this recipe?

Yes, you can! See our suggestions for other seasonings above. Any seasoning mixes you enjoy with chicken, you will love with Cornish hens.

How can I tell when Cornish hens are done cooking?

The only way to accurately read if Cornish hens are done cooking is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat, without touching the bone. When the thigh meat of the hens registers at 165°F, or the breast meat at 150°F, they are done cooking.

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