Air-Fried Cornish Hen: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking a Cornish hen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal. Cornish hens are a smaller breed of poultry, weighing between one and two pounds, and can be cooked in an air fryer in around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the bird and the air fryer model. The result is a dish with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

How to cook a Cornish hen in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to cook two Cornish hens in an air fryer:

• Two Cornish hens (1 to 2 pounds each)
• Olive oil (or canola/corn oil)
• Lemon zest (or lemon juice)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Onion powder (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees F.
• Prepare the Cornish hens by patting their skin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• Mix the oil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest/juice in a small bowl and set aside.
• Tuck the wings underneath the hens and place them in the air fryer basket with the breast side down.
• Air fry the hens for 35 minutes.
• Flip the hens over and air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes. The hens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer.
• Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Pat the hens dry before cooking to ensure the oil sticks to the skin and makes it crispy.
• Flip the hens with 10 minutes of cooking time remaining to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Tuck the wings under the hens to keep them in place and prevent burning.
• Leave enough space in the air fryer for hot air to circulate.
• Let the hens rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to prepare a Cornish hen for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make a Cornish hen in an air fryer:

• Cornish hen (about 1 to 2 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Thawing the Cornish Hen

For the best results, it is recommended to thaw the Cornish hen before cooking. Here are two ways to do this:

• Leave it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost naturally.
• Submerge it in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool.

Preparing the Cornish Hen

Follow these steps to prepare your Cornish hen for cooking in the air fryer:

• Dry the hen: Remove the hen from the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels on all sides.
• Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, etc.).
• Oil the meat: Rub olive oil evenly over the hen, including inside the cavity.
• Season the hen: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the hen, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390 degrees F.

Cooking the Cornish Hen

• Place the hen in the air fryer: Put the hen in the air fryer basket with the breast side facing down.
• Air fry: Cook the hen for 20 minutes, then flip it over and air fry for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the bird reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Rest and serve: Remove the hen from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to serve a Cornish hen

There are many ways to serve a Cornish hen, and they make a great meal for any occasion. Here is a guide on how to serve them, with some side dish suggestions to make your meal memorable.

Preparation

Before serving your Cornish hens, it is important to let the meat rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat is succulent and tasty.

Special Occasions

If you are serving Cornish hens for a special occasion, such as a holiday meal, you can go all out with some impressive sides. Try serving them with maple cranberry sauce, chestnut soup, and butternut squash salad. These flavours will complement the hens beautifully and make for an elegant meal.

Weeknight Meals

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, pair your Cornish hens with a baked goat cheese salad and lemon herb quinoa. These sides are simple to prepare and will round out your meal without being too heavy.

Side Dishes

When it comes to side dishes, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Wild rice pilaf
• Air fryer butternut squash
• Brown rice and vegetables
• Baby potatoes (boiled, roasted, or smashed)
• Blooming onion
• Roasted root vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans (sautéed with butter, garlic, and almonds)
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Herbed couscous
• Creamed spinach
• Sweet potato casserole
• Caramelized Brussels sprouts
• 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
• Grilled vegetable medley

Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cornish hens, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or oven, and use the leftovers in dishes such as Buffalo chicken flatbread or chicken, mango, and avocado salad.

How to store and reheat a Cornish hen

Storing and reheating a Cornish hen is easy and convenient. Here is a detailed guide to help you:

Storing a Cooked Cornish Hen:

Firstly, bring the cooked Cornish hen to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to three days.

Reheating a Cornish Hen:

There are two convenient ways to reheat a Cornish hen:

Using an Air Fryer:

Place the leftover Cornish hen in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheat for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the meat to prevent overcooking, and flip the bird halfway through the reheating process.

Using an Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the Cornish hen in a baking dish and add a few tablespoons of water to keep the meat moist. It should take about 10 minutes in the oven for the bird to warm up.

How to cook frozen Cornish hens in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1-2 pounds each)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Your choice of seasonings

Method

• Set your air fryer to 350°F.
• Remove the hens from the freezer and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Brush or rub the hens with olive oil and season generously.
• Place the hens in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry the hens for 30 minutes.
• Flip the hens and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Rest the hens for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For crispy skin, ensure the hens are completely dry before cooking.
• It is best to thaw Cornish hens before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
• If cooking from frozen, the hens may take longer to cook, and the skin may not crisp up as much.
• You can check if the hens are cooked by pulling on the leg – there should be some give, and the juices should run clear.

Frequently asked questions