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

Cooking a Cornish hen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Cornish game hens are a smaller breed of poultry, usually weighing between one and two pounds, and resemble miniature chickens in appearance. They are perfect for serving one to two people and typically take less time to cook than a whole roasted chicken.

To cook a Cornish hen in an air fryer, you will need to preheat the air fryer, prepare the hen by patting it dry, seasoning it, and placing it in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the hen and your air fryer, but it generally takes around 30-45 minutes to cook a Cornish hen in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook the hen at a temperature of around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and flip it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

You can season your Cornish hen with a variety of spices and herbs such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or poultry seasoning. Some recipes also suggest using butter or other types of oil for a crispier skin. It is important to ensure that the hen is completely thawed before cooking and that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

How to cook a Cornish hen in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
• Olive oil (or canola/corn oil)
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Lemon zest/juice

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees F.
• Prepare the Cornish hens by patting their skin dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
• In a small bowl, combine the oil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest/juice. Whisk until mixed.
• Brush the seasoning mixture onto the hens, under and on top of the skin.
• Twist the wings to tuck them underneath the hens.
• Place the hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down.
• Air fry for 35 minutes.
• Flip the hens over and air fry for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
• Let the hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For crispy skin, ensure the hens are patted dry before cooking and leave enough space in the air fryer for the hot air to circulate.
• It is recommended to thaw frozen Cornish hens before cooking. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or by submerging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer at 360-400 degrees F for 15 minutes, or in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.

How to defrost a frozen Cornish hen

To defrost a frozen Cornish hen, you can use the refrigerator, a cold water bath, or a microwave.

Defrosting in the Refrigerator

Leaving the bird in the refrigerator overnight is a hassle-free way to defrost your Cornish hen. This method will take at least 24 hours, so make sure to plan ahead. Once the hen is thawed, it should be cooked within a day or two.

Defrosting with a Cold Water Bath

If you're looking for a quicker option, you can submerge the frozen bird in a bowl of cool water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool, and ensure that the package is not ripped to prevent water from seeping in and affecting cooking time or introducing bacteria. This method should take 1 to 1.5 hours, or about 30 minutes per pound. Once thawed, cook the hen immediately.

Defrosting in the Microwave

If you need to defrost your Cornish hen immediately before cooking, you can use the microwave. First, remove the hen from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. There is no need to wash the chicken before cooking, as this can spread bacteria.

Follow the instructions provided with your microwave for defrosting. For example, some microwaves have a dedicated defrost cycle. Run the microwave for about 5 minutes on the defrost cycle, then turn the hen over and defrost for an additional 3 minutes. Leave the hen in the microwave for 10 minutes once the defrost cycle ends to complete the thawing process.

Cook the Cornish hen immediately after defrosting to avoid bacterial growth. Also, remember to wash your hands and the plate thoroughly after handling the raw poultry to avoid contaminating other surfaces.

How to get a crispy skin on a Cornish hen

Preparation

Before cooking, pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels to remove all moisture. This will help ensure that the skin becomes crispy. You can also coat the hens with a light layer of olive oil or butter, which will help the skin crisp up and the seasoning to stick.

Seasoning

For seasoning, you can use a simple combination of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, lemon zest, or lemon pepper seasoning for a brighter flavour.

Cooking

Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F. Place the hens in the air fryer basket breast-side down and cook for 20 minutes. Then, flip the hens and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Resting

Finally, remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in more succulent and flavourful meat.

What to serve with a Cornish hen

There are many options for what to serve with a Cornish hen, ranging from salads to vegetable sides, classic sides, and even appetizers and desserts. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

• Fall Kale Salad: A combination of sweet and tangy harvest dressing with ingredients like kale, pecans, and dried figs.
• Wild Rice Salad: A blend of orange citrus, green grapes, and pecans, ready in just 15 minutes.
• Quinoa Butternut Squash Salad: A filling salad with a kick from tart balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
• Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad: A gourmet salad with the sharp, fresh flavor of Brussels sprouts, earthy goat cheese, and lemon juice.
• Apple Salad: A light and tangy salad with a creamy yogurt dressing, raisins, and celery.
• Butternut Squash Salad: A mix of roasted butternut squash, tart apple, sharp Dijon mustard, and sweet squash.
• Authentic Caesar Salad: A classic green salad that pairs well with the Cornish hen.
• Columbia Restaurant Salad: A social media sensation also known as 1905 Salad, made with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, baked ham, cheese, and garlic vinaigrette.

Vegetable Sides

• Baked Asparagus: A classic side dish that is easy to prepare with garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
• Roasted Whole Carrots: A tangy and sweet side with tahini dressing, crumbled feta, and roasted carrots.
• Sweet Potato Souffle: A delicious combination of whipped sweet potatoes and pecan streusel topping.
• Roasted Delicata Squash: Honey-roasted squash with a brown sugar taste, served with an agrodolce drizzle and pepitas.
• Layered Potato Casserole: Creamy, rich, and buttery potatoes topped with crispy roasted leeks.
• Wild Mushroom Stuffing: A buttery brioche stuffing with sweet shallots, bright leeks, and earthy mushrooms.
• Sweet Potato Mash: A twist on classic mashed potatoes, made with sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and pecans.
• Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes: Garlic mashed potatoes with a touch of rosemary, a perfect pairing for chicken.

Classic Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: A rich, buttery classic that pairs perfectly with the juicy Cornish hen.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these are a great complement to the tender meat.
• Wild Rice Casserole: A special twist on the classic pairing of wild rice and Cornish hens.
• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Pan-fried Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze, cooked with bacon for added flavor.
• Mac and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy dish, often topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Golden brown mushrooms cooked in garlic butter, best paired with a potato dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes: A combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, drizzled with a bacon and maple glaze.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft and airy, these can be made at home or store-bought.
• Garlic Bread: A crusty, garlicky bread that can be made in the air fryer for extra convenience.

Appetizers and Desserts

• Winter Salad: A light citrus vinaigrette-based salad with bacon, cranberries, red onion, pecans, and feta cheese.
• Panzanella Salad: A classic Italian bread salad with juicy tomatoes and a homemade vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: A classic, crisp, and refreshing side that is easy to prepare.
• Corn Salad: A light and fresh side dish, perfect for summer gatherings.
• Simple Arugula Salad: A perfect light side that can be served on its own or with a starch.
• Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Thyme: Mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, and thyme, a flavorful and comforting side.
• Sautéed Kale: Hearty kale sautéed with bacon, garlic, and onions, adding a nutritious boost to the meal.
• Baked Eggplant Parmesan: A lightened-up version of the classic, with baked (instead of fried) eggplant and a zesty marinara sauce.
• Oven-Roasted Asparagus: A simple and delicious spring side dish, ready in under 15 minutes.
• Air-Fried Carrots: Carrots tossed in a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for a weeknight or holiday table.
• Air Fryer Broccoli: A quick and easy side with a flavor punch from just a few ingredients.
• Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb, garlic herb-infused alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Green Beans and Tomatoes: A classic holiday dish that can be made in the crockpot.
• Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer with a twist, featuring bacon for added flavor.
• Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon and glazed with maple and brown sugar, then baked until golden.
• Whipped Ricotta Crostini: Fresh herbs and ricotta cheese whipped together and served on toasted bread.
• Creamed Spinach: A simple and elegant side dish made with frozen spinach and heavy cream.
• Twice-Baked Potatoes: A classic, must-have side dish, especially for Easter celebrations.
• German Potato Salad: A warm potato salad with a tangy-sweet bacon vinaigrette.
• Orzo Salad: Orzo tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, dressed with a lemony vinaigrette.
• Classic Potato Salad: A go-to potato salad recipe, perfect for any occasion.
• Cranberry Sauce: A holiday must-have, flavored with orange juice and zest to complement the Cornish hens.
• Stuffing: A traditional side dish made with bread, onion, celery, butter, and fresh herbs.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: A gorgeous and tasty holiday side, tossed in olive oil and spices, then air-fried to perfection.
• Mushroom Rice: Earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions infused into rice for a perfect holiday pairing.
• Cheesy Broccoli Gratin: Tender broccoli florets in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping.
• Air Fryer Baked Apples: Cinnamon-caramelized apples

How to reheat a cooked Cornish hen

You've cooked your cornish hen and now you want to reheat it. No problem! Here's how to do it in an air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover hen in the air fryer basket and reheat for 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking, and flip the bird halfway through the reheating process.

If you don't want to use an air fryer, you can also reheat the hen in the oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the chicken 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 hen to warm up.

Tips for Reheating a Cooked Cornish Hen:

• Bring the cooked cornish hen to room temperature before reheating.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• If you're reheating in the oven, add a few tablespoons of water to keep the meat moist.
• If you're reheating in the air fryer, flip the bird halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Be sure to let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Store Leftover Cornish Hen:

Leftover cornish hen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions