Cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer is a fantastic way to get juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin. These small birds cook quickly and are perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking: Ready in less than an hour.
- Juicy and Flavorful: Perfectly seasoned with crispy skin.
- Elegant Presentation: Great for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1-1.5 pounds each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved (optional, for stuffing)
- Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme (optional, for stuffing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cornish Hens
- Clean and Dry: Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps to get a crispy skin.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the Cornish hens, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Optional Stuffing: If desired, stuff the cavity of each hen with a lemon half and a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Cornish Hens
- Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Ensure there is enough space for air to circulate around each bird.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 25 minutes, carefully flip the hens over so they are breast side up. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Rest: Remove the Cornish hens from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more flavorful and moist.
- Serve: Carve the hens and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the hens are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings, such as adding lemon zest, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to the rub.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Cornish Hens are a delicious and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The air fryer ensures the hens are juicy on the inside with perfectly crispy skin. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or any time you want to enjoy a flavorful, hassle-free meal. Happy cooking!