Air Fryer Cornish Hen

❤️ Why you'll love it

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 game birds come out with very crispy skin and so much flavor!

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. 

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

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To make this easy recipe, 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

• Whole Cornish hen (approximately 1.5 lbs): In the US, you can find these small birds in many grocery stores in the freezer section. They are usually frozen and will need to be thawed.
• 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 cornish hen 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 Recipe

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.

🥫 Storing and Reheating

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

If you would like to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it 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.

💭 Tips and Variations

• 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 until 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.
• If you don't have homemade chicken seasoning, lemon pepper is a great option to add flavor.

🍽️ What Can I Eat This Recipe With?

Like regular chicken, these delicious air-fried Cornish hens are versatile and can be eaten in different ways. You can garnish them with fresh herbs and eat them with gravy or your favorite hot sauce. You can use them as a meal prep for the family or to enjoy on special occasions.

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

📖 Recipe