This Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe delivers a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned bird in just 50 minutes from start to finish. With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a showstopping main dish that’s surprisingly light at just 154 calories per serving.
The air fryer works its magic to achieve that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. It’s an impressive yet easy dinner option that proves special occasions don’t require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Seasoning Mix: 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, salt, poultry seasoning, and ½ tsp black pepper for perfect flavor blend
- Cornish Hens: 2 pieces (1.25 lb each), patted dry for crispy results
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp to help seasonings stick and ensure golden exterior
- Lemon: 1 whole, cut into wedges for internal flavoring
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined
- Hen Preparation: Remove giblets if present and pat hens dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Oil Application: Coat both hens generously with olive oil, ensuring even coverage
- Seasoning Application: Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over hens, covering both exterior and cavity
- Lemon Stuffing: Place lemon wedges inside each hen’s cavity
- Air Fryer Placement: Position hens breast-side down in air fryer basket, cooking one at a time if needed
- Cooking Process: Air fry at 380°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping at halfway point
- Final Steps: Let rest for 10 minutes after reaching 165°F internal temperature
- Serving: Remove lemon wedges before serving your golden, juicy hens
Cooking Techniques
Want to get the perfect crispy skin on your Cornish hen? Patting the bird dry before adding oil is a game-changing step! This simple trick helps create that gorgeous golden-brown exterior. When you place the hen breast-side down in your air fryer, you’re helping the dark meat cook evenly with the white meat. The flip halfway through is your secret weapon for even cooking all around.
Variations & Substitutions
No poultry seasoning? Mix together dried thyme, sage, and rosemary instead. You can swap the lemon wedges for orange slices or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a different flavor profile. If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. Don’t have paprika? Sweet or smoked paprika both work great – smoked will add a lovely woodsy flavor!
Serving Suggestions
These little hens are perfect for special dinners! Serve each person their own bird – it feels fancy but it’s so easy. Try pairing with roasted baby potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic combo. A simple green salad on the side keeps things light. Want to make it extra special? Drizzle the finished hen with the natural juices that collect in the air fryer basket – it adds amazing flavor!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Let your Cornish hen cool completely, then wrap it well and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until it’s warm through. The microwave works too, but the skin won’t be as crispy. For best results, slice the meat off the bone before storing – it makes reheating quick and easy!
Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 whole cornish hens 1.25 lb each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, poultry seasoning and black pepper. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- Remove the giblets if necessary and pat the cornish hens dry. Rub olive oil all over the cornish hens.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the cornish hens and cover both the inside and outside of the cornish hens.
- Stuff the cavities of the hens with lemon wedges.
- Place the cornish hens, breast side down, in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, cook one cornish hen at a time.
- Air fry at 380°F/190°C for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cornish hen is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 10 minutes. Discard the lemon wedges before serving.
