Air-Frying Cornish Hens: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a Cornish hen, resulting in a gourmet meal with a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. The small size of the bird means it cooks quickly, making it a great option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. In this article, we will explore the steps and tips for cooking a Cornish hen in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and cook time, as well as some delicious side dish suggestions.

How to cook a Cornish hen in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish hens (1 to 2 pounds each)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of poultry or chicken seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage

Method:

• Grease the air fryer racks or basket with oil.
• Remove any giblets from the Cornish hens and rinse the inside of them. Pat the hens dry with paper towels.
• Rub the hens with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lightly rub to coat.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350-390°F.
• Place the hens breast side down on the cooking rack.
• Cook the hens for 30 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
• Rest the hens for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips:

• It is recommended to defrost frozen Cornish hens overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Tie the legs of the hens with kitchen twine for an Instagram-worthy presentation and easier serving.
• For crispy skin, thoroughly dry the hens with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.
• To check if the hens are cooked without a thermometer, pull the leg – there should be some give, and the juices should run clear.

How to prepare a Cornish hen for the air fryer

Preparing a Cornish hen in an air fryer is a simple process that yields a gourmet meal with a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a Cornish hen for the air fryer:

Defrosting and Cleaning:

Firstly, if you have purchased a frozen Cornish hen, it is best to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the skin from becoming soggy.

Once the hen is thawed, remove any giblets and rinse the bird inside and out. Pat the hen dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as removing excess moisture will lead to a crispier skin.

Seasoning:

Next, you can brush or rub the Cornish hen with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the bird and promotes even browning. You can use a light, neutral-flavored oil or even melted butter for this step.

After oiling, it's time to season the hen. You can use a variety of seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or your favorite poultry seasoning blend. Don't forget to season the cavity area as well.

Air Fryer Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F (176-200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket or racks with oil to prevent sticking.

Cooking:

Place the seasoned Cornish hen breast-side down on the cooking rack. Cooking the bird breast-side down helps protect the breast meat from overcooking.

Cook the hen for 20-30 minutes, then flip it over. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.

Resting and Serving:

Once the hen is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird.

Finally, carve and serve the Cornish hen with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your Cornish hen, follow these steps:

Preparation

First, pat the hens dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it removes moisture, ensuring the skin becomes crispy. Next, rub the hens with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, or lemon zest for extra flavour.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390°F. Some air fryers don't need preheating, so check your manual. Place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Then, flip the hens and cook for a further 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.

Resting and Serving

Finally, let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. You can cut the hens in half and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Tips

• Always defrost frozen hens before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Rotate the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

What to serve with a Cornish hen

There are many side dishes that can be served with Cornish hens. Here are some ideas:

For a Special Occasion

• Maple Cranberry Sauce
• Chestnut Soup
• Butternut Squash Salad
• Roasted Cranberry Glazed Brussels Sprouts
• Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest
• Mini Parmesan Truffle Hasselback Potatoes
• Spinach Salad with Grapes, Blue Cheese and Almonds

For a Weeknight Meal

• Baked Goat Cheese Salad
• Lemon Herb Quinoa
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Brown rice and vegetables
• Wild rice pilaf
• Baby potatoes
• Blooming onion
• Roasted root vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Herbed couscous
• Creamed spinach
• Sweet potato casserole

Other Ideas

• Grilled vegetable medley
• Honey-glazed carrots
• Warm quinoa salad
• Creamy polenta
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with Seasoned Sour Cream
• Air Fryer Chicken Legs
• Air Fried Tofu
• Air Fryer Cajun Salmon
• Air Fryer Baby Carrots with Honey Butter
• Air Fryer Lamb Chops

How to reheat a Cornish hen

Reheating a Cornish hen in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. It is important to ensure that your Cornish hen is fully thawed before reheating. Pat the hen dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, helping the oil to stick better and ensuring crispier skin.

Brush the hen with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or your choice of herbs and spices. You can also add lemon zest or juice for extra flavour.

Place the Cornish hen in the air fryer basket, breast side down, and reheat for 4-5 minutes at 400°F. For a slightly longer reheat time, you can cook the hen for 15 minutes at 360°F. Flip the hen halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking.

Your Cornish hen is now ready to be served!

Frequently asked questions