Cornish Game Hen Air Fryer

A cornish game hen air fryer recipe gives you crispy golden skin with juicy tender meat using faster cooking time and simple preparation. The air fryer cooks Cornish hens evenly while locking in flavor, making this recipe perfect for holiday dinners, date nights, family meals, and beginner air fryer cooking.

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Course: air fryer, Healthy Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cornish Game Hen Air Fryer

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 55

Servings: servings

Calories: 520kcal

Author: Eva Stoner

Cost: 4

Equipment

air fryer
paper towels
small mixing bowl
measuring spoons
kitchen tongs
meat thermometer

Ingredients

2 Cornish game hens (1 to 2 pounds each)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
1 lemon, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes.
Remove the Cornish hens from the packaging and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Rub olive oil or melted butter evenly over the hens, including underneath the skin when possible.
Mix the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Season the hens evenly on all sides with the prepared seasoning mixture.
Place the hens breast-side down inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow.
Cook the hens at 360°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Flip the hens carefully and continue cooking for another 12 to 20 minutes until the skin turns golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Brush the hens lightly with melted butter during the final few minutes of cooking for extra golden crispy skin if desired.
Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving with rosemary or lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Pat the hens completely dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate evenly. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy. Spatchcocking the hens can help create even crispier skin and faster cooking.

Nutrition