• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Low Carb Africa logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Free Keto Meal Plan
  • Helpful Resources
  • Shop Digital Products
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » All Recipes » Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Dec 14, 2021

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Published on Dec 14, 2021. Updated on Dec 23, 2022. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Air Fryer Cornish Hen-pinterest image

    Dazzle your family and friends with this insanely delicious air fryer cornish hen recipe! It's perfect for a small family gathering and adds elegance to a special occasion.

    keto cornish hen ready to eat
    cornish hen in air fryer

    These small chickens have very juicy meat and are so easy to cook. They are small enough to fit entirely in an air fryer, which is the perfect way to cook this delicious juicy cornish hen. The chicken comes out with very crispy skin and has so much flavor.

    Cornish game hens are perfect for a simple meal or a dinner party. They have such a delicious flavor when appropriately seasoned. You would definitely impress your dinner guests with this recipe!

    Jump to:
    • What is a Cornish Hen?
    • Equipment used
    • Ingredients Used
    • How To Make This Easy Recipe
    • Storing and Reheating
    • What can I eat this recipe with?
    • Tips on making this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is a Cornish Hen?

    Cornish hens, also known as Rock Cornish game hens, are small whole chickens that grow quickly and are ready to be cooked at about four weeks old. 

    Newsletter
    Sign up for a free 7-day keto meal plan

    You'll also receive emails with new recipes delivered straight to you.

    These mini rotisserie chickens can weigh anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds and are primarily white meat, making them lean meat. These little birds also taste like regular chicken, though they're a bit pricier per pound.

    Cornish hens are bred for their very tender meat since the chicken is so young. They are either male or female, despite being called hens. 

    Equipment used

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    To make this delicious air fryer cornish hen, you only need a few things. You will need an air fryer, a pair of tongs, and a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 

    I have a 4qt ninja foodi air fryer which was the perfect size for a 1.5lb cornish chicken. I could even fit two cornish hens inside! It's also perfect for my air fryer whole chicken.

    Check out this list of the best affordable air fryers to make easy crispy healthy dishes!

    Ingredients Used

    raw cornish hen, chicken seasoning

    Here are the ingredients to make this easy air fryer recipe.

    • Whole Cornish hen (approximately 1.5lbs): You can find it in many grocery stores here in the U.S in the chicken section.
    • Olive oil: You may also choose to use any other cooking spray or melted butter.
    • Chicken seasoning: I use my homemade chicken dry rub for this recipe. It is made of common spices and herbs that you most likely already have in your spice drawer, like garlic powder and black pepper. But you can also use your favorite seasonings.

    How To Make This Easy Recipe

    This cornish game hen recipe involves just a few simple steps.

    1. First, thoroughly rinse the whole chicken over running water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
    2. Preheat your air fryer to 360F.
    3. Get a large bowl and spray the cornish hen with some olive oil.
    4. Rub the chicken seasoning all over the entire chicken. 
    5. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down, and air fry for 30 minutes.
    6. Flip with a pair of tongs and then air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes. Use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F.
    7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    homemade chicken dry rub on game hen
    how to make cornish hen in air fryer

    Storing and Reheating

    To store leftover cornish hen, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. You can also put the leftover pieces of cornish hen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

    You can freeze it if you would like to store it for longer. Wrap it up in cling film or put it in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer. It will remain fresh this way for up to three months.

    Thaw the hen overnight in the fridge so you can easily reheat it. Then air fry it at 350F for a few minutes until it is heated. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. A reading of 165F shows it's safe to eat.

    What can I eat this recipe with?

    Like regular chicken, these delicious air fryer cornish hens are versatile and can be eaten in different ways. You can garnish with fresh herbs and eat with gravy or your favorite hot sauce.

    You can use it as a meal prep for the family or even during holidays or special occasions. Serve this finger-licking air fryer cornish hen recipe with some cauliflower rice or in some delectable stew.

    low carb game hen on a plate
    air fryer cornish game hen recipe

    Tips on making this recipe

    • It is always a good idea to ensure the chicken is dry before putting it in an air fryer so it cooks faster.
    • Rub the insides of the hen with the dry rub so that it is fully seasoned. For more flavor, season the flesh under the skin all over the bird.
    • When checking for doneness with a thermometer, make sure the thermometer is not touching bone but flesh only. Bone tends to be hotter while cooking, so the thermometer might give you a false reading.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does it take to cook a hen in the air fryer?

    You should be able to thoroughly cook a cornish hen in the air fryer in about 40-45 minutes. But, of course, it depends on the size of the hen and the power capacity of your air fryer. If you have a powerful air fryer with a strong and effective fan, the hen will cook a bit faster than that.

    Is Cornish hen healthier than chicken?

    Cornish hen is comparable in nutritional value to regular chicken. They are a good source of protein and low in carbs, making them perfect for those who want to eat healthier.

    Need some more holiday recipes? Try these!

    Keto Cranberry Sauce

    Keto Coleslaw

    Shakshuka (African Poached Eggs)

    Sugar Free Cranberry Almond Coleslaw

    air fryer cornish hen on a bed of lettuce

    📖 Recipe

    small cornish hen on a bed of lettuce

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Dazzle your family and friends with this insanely delicious air fryer cornish hen recipe! It's perfect for a small family gathering and adds elegance to a special occasion.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Share on Facebook Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 906kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cornish hen approx 1.5lbs
    • tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning

    Instructions

    • First, thoroughly rinse the whole chicken over running water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
    • Preheat your air fryer to 360F.
    • Get a large bowl and spray the cornish hen with some olive oil.
    • Rub the chicken seasoning all over the entire chicken.
    • Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, breast side down, and air fry for 30 minutes.
    • Flip with a pair of tongs and then air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes. Use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F.
    • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    This recipe serves 1 and contains 0 net carbs per serving.
    • It is always a good idea to make sure the chicken is dry before putting it in an air fryer, so it cooks faster.
    • Rub the insides of the hen with the dry rub so that it is fully seasoned. For more flavor, season the flesh under the skin all over the bird.
    • When checking for doneness with a thermometer, make sure the thermometer is not touching bone but flesh only. Bone tends to be hotter while cooking, so the thermometer might give you a false reading.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 906kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 78g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 455mg | Sodium: 1439mg | Potassium: 1085mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 486IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4mg
    Subscribe To My Youtube Channel and watch me make a new recipe every week!
    Get weekly recipes straight to your inbox starting with a free 7-day keto meal plan
    Tried this Recipe? Let me know!tag @lowcarbafrica on Instagram and please leave a comment below

    More All Keto & Low Carb Recipes

    • How to Cook Sausage in The Oven
    • Air Fryer Chicken Legs
    • Broccoli Salad With Bacon
    • Keto Chocolate Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Phil says

      January 14, 2023 at 8:30 pm

      Hi. most Cornish hens are frozen. do you thaw before doing this recipe?

      Reply
      • Tayo says

        January 15, 2023 at 6:25 pm

        Yes, it's better to thaw it first.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tayo!

    low carb africa

    Welcome to Low Carb Africa, the home of Keto & Low Carb African-inspired recipes. I specialize in creating mouthwatering recipes with rich, bold, and spicy flavors. Get ready to lose weight, look amazing and be in your best health ever!

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Keto Game Day Recipes

    • Instant Pot Pulled Pork
    • Spicy Sausage Dip
    • Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
    • Instant Pot Lamb Chops

    Keto Air Fryer Recipes

    Reader Favorites

    • Instant Pot Turkey Wings
    • How to make almond butter in a blender
    • Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms
    • Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

    Popular African Recipes

    • Nigerian Chicken Stew
    • Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)
    • Asun Recipe (Peppered Goat Meat)
    • Efo Riro - Nigerian Spinach Stew
    • Okro Soup (African Okra Soup)
    • Egusi Soup - Nigerian Melon Seed Stew

    Footer

    FEATURED ON:
    low carb africa featured banner

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Browse

    • Recipe Index
    • Shop Digital Products
    • Amazon Store

    Resources

    • Free 7-day keto meal plan
    • African Spices & Seasonings
    • How To Be Successful on Keto
    • What is Fufu?

    Information

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    COPYRIGHT © 2022. Low Carb Africa, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Low Carb Africa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.