Air Fryer Cornish Hen: Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat Recipe

by Mevell Kitchen
13 April, 2024
7 min read

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Do you have an air fryer sitting on your countertop, and you're wondering whether you could roast a perfect Cornish hen in it? Spoiler alert - you absolutely can!

Welcome to our juicy and crispy air fryer Cornish hen recipe. This is the guide you need to turn those little birds into something extraordinary, something your taste buds will thank you for.

Imagine mini rotisserie chickens, but even better because they are air fried. In the comfort of your own kitchen, you'll be whipping up a delectable feast that might just become your new go-to dinner favorite. And the best part? It's easy to cook a Cornish hen to perfection with your trusty air fryer.

So, if you've been waiting for a sign to finally put that appliance to good use, this is it.

Ready to learn how to make the best roast Cornish hen? Just keep reading!

What is Cornish Hen?

So, what exactly is a Cornish hen? Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are a type of chicken breed that is much smaller than your regular chicken. Typically, these birds are sold at a young age, usually under 5 weeks old, and this results in a much smaller bird, often weighing only 1 to 2 pounds.

One of the key differences between a Cornish hen and a regular chicken is the cooking time. Due to their smaller size, Cornish hens have a shorter cooking time which makes them a great option for a quick yet delicious meal.

But don't let their size fool you! These mini-chickens pack a serious punch when it comes to flavor. With the right seasoning, a Cornish hen can be as mouth-wateringly tasty as any larger chicken, if not more. Think of it as a single-serving chicken that gives you all the best parts, especially when it's cooked to perfection.

How to Make Cornish Game Hen in the Air Fryer

Ready to whip up your own air fryer Cornish hen masterpiece? Here's everything you need, from the list of ingredients to the step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

2 Cornish hens, about 1-2 pounds each
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

Start by preparing your Cornish hens. Remove them from their packaging, and make sure to pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin we all crave.
Once the hens are dry, season them well. Mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme together with the olive oil. Rub this delicious mixture all over the hens, making sure to cover them completely for the best results. Don't forget to season the inside of the birds as well, and sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on them for added flavor.
After seasoning, it's time to arrange the hens in your air fryer. Place the Cornish hens in the air fryer basket. Try to ensure that they aren't touching or overlapping – remember, these birds need space to cook evenly.
Now that the hens are comfortably situated in the basket, set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Cook the hens for about 30 minutes.
After the first 30 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket and flip the Cornish hens. You'll want to cook the Cornish hens breast side up now. This ensures a uniform, golden-brown color and crispiness on all sides.
Continue cooking the hens for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This is important to make sure your hens are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Once the hens have reached the correct internal temperature, remove the hens from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring your cooked Cornish game hens are moist and flavorful.

And there you have it, the perfect air fryer Cornish hen recipe! Enjoy the crisp, golden-brown skin and the juicy, flavorful meat that this cooking method brings. It's a game changer, and your air fryer is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Remember, it's all about the right preparation, the perfect seasoning, and the proper cooking time.

So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a meal that's restaurant-quality right in the comfort of your own home!

Additional Tips When Cooking Cornish Hen in the Air Fryer

To better ensure success with your Cornish hen air fryer recipe, here are some additional tips and tricks to consider:

Thaw Cornish Hens: Before you begin, make sure your Cornish hens are fully thawed. Trying to cook frozen birds may result in uneven cooking, and no one wants a partially frozen, partially overcooked dinner.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, your air fryer needs a few minutes to warm up before you start cooking. It's recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at the cooking temperature. This step is crucial in achieving a crispy skin and tender meat.
Even Seasoning: When you season the Cornish hens, make sure to rub your herbs, spices, and oil into every nook and cranny. The more evenly you season, the more flavor you'll infuse into your birds. Don't forget to season inside the cavity for a full flavor experience.
Avoid Overcrowding: When you place the hens in the air fryer, they should not touch each other. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook them in batches to maintain the quality of your results.
Check the Temperature: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your Cornish hens are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the bird. Remember, safe cooking is just as important as tasty cooking.
Rest Your Birds: After using the air fryer, let your Cornish hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving into them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and succulent.
Adjust Cooking Time: If you find that your hens aren't as brown or crispy as you'd like after the initial cooking time, don't be afraid to cook for an additional few minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

With these tips in your culinary toolbox, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any Cornish hen air fryer recipe with confidence and achieve that perfect, mouth-watering dinner you're aiming for

FAQs

How long should i cook two Cornish hens in an air fryer?

When using an air fryer, you need to ensure that your Cornish hens are cooked thoroughly but still retain their juiciness. As part of our Cornish hen air fryer recipe, we recommend cooking them for approximately 20 minutes on each side, at a temperature of 350°F. This amount of time ensures that the hens will be cooked evenly and will be golden brown and delicious when you're ready to enjoy them.

What temperature is Cornish hen cooked?

A cooked Cornish hen should reach an internal temperature of 180°F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the inner thigh. This ensures that the bird is fully cooked and safe to eat. It's an important step in any Cornish hen recipe and one you shouldn't skip if you want to make sure your meal is both tasty and safe.

Can you cook Cornish hen at 400?

Yes, you can indeed cook a Cornish hen at 400°F. Depending on the size of the poultry, you would need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Generally, you should aim for about 45 minutes to cook to 1 hour in a preheated oven at 400°F. Just remember to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Should Cornish hens be rinsed before cooking?

There is no need to rinse the Cornish hens or any meat before cooking. In fact, rinsing can potentially spread bacteria in your kitchen. It's best to remove the hens from their packaging, pat them dry, season, and then proceed to cook them according to your favorite Cornish hen air fryer recipe.

Can you cook frozen cornish hen in the air fryer?

While it is technically possible to cook a frozen Cornish hen in an air fryer, it's generally best to thaw them first for the best results. Cooking a frozen hen can result in uneven cooking, with some parts being overcooked while others remain undercooked. If you have the time, always thaw your hen before cooking. If you need to reheat Cornish hen that was previously cooked and frozen, thaw it out and use the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crispy texture.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Now that you know how to make air fryer Cornish hen, you're ready to impress everyone at your next dinner. You'll be turning out juicy Cornish hens with a crisp, golden-brown skin that's hard to resist.

So grab your air fryer and take your chicken dishes to a new level. Trust us, your taste buds will be thrilled!

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Related Products You Might Like

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