Air-Fryer Cornish Hens: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking Cornish hens 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 are often referred to as game hens. They are a crossbreed of chicken and have a similar taste to regular chicken. The benefit of cooking with Cornish hens is that they are ideal for serving one to two people, depending on their size.

Cooking time will depend on the size of the hens and the air fryer being used, but generally, it takes around 30-45 minutes to cook Cornish hens in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook them at a temperature of between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before cooking, the hens should be patted dry and seasoned with oil and spices. Some common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. It is also important to ensure that the hens are thoroughly defrosted before cooking, as frozen hens may not cook evenly.

Air-fried Cornish hens are a great option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, and they can be served with a variety of side dishes.

How long to cook frozen Cornish hens in an air fryer

Although it is not recommended, it is possible to cook frozen Cornish hens in an air fryer. If you choose to do so, be aware that the cooking time will depend on the size of your Cornish hens.

Step 1: Set the Air Fryer Temperature

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the recommended temperature for cooking Cornish hens to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat.

Step 2: Cook the Hens for 30 Minutes

Place the frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Cook them for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, the outer skin of the hens should become fully thawed.

Step 3: Remove, Coat, and Return to Air Fryer

After 30 minutes, remove the hens from the air fryer. Coat them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Return the hens to the air fryer and continue cooking.

Step 4: Cook Until Internal Temperature Reaches 165°F

The cooking time will depend on the size of your Cornish hens. Keep cooking until the thickest part of the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a digital meat thermometer. This could take an additional 10 to 15 minutes for smaller hens, or up to 40 minutes for larger, 2-pound hens.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the hens have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Cornish Hens in an Air Fryer:

• It is important to note that cooking frozen Cornish hens in an air fryer may result in undercooked insides and burnt skin. For best results, it is recommended to thaw the hens before cooking.
• To ensure even cooking, rotate the basket or racks halfway through cooking. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure the hens are cooked thoroughly.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer brand and model, so adjust the timing as needed.
• For a simple and tasty seasoning, try a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• For a decadent alternative to olive oil, try using melted butter.

Side Dishes:

To complete your meal, consider serving your air-fried Cornish hens with roasted or steamed vegetables. Here are some specific side dish ideas:

• 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

How long to cook two Cornish hens in an air fryer

Cooking two Cornish hens in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The cooking time will depend on the size of your Cornish hens and the temperature you set your air fryer to.

Thawing and Prepping the Hens

Before cooking, it is recommended to thaw your Cornish hens. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Once your hens are thawed, remove any giblets and rinse the inside of them. Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Rub the hens with olive oil and season them with your choice of spices and herbs.

Cooking the Hens

The cooking time for two Cornish hens in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the hens and the temperature of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking the hens at a temperature between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit.

For two 1¼-pound hens, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes. For two 2-pound hens, it may take up to 40 minutes.

Place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-30 minutes. Then, flip the hens and cook for an additional 10-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Fully thaw the hens before cooking for even cooking and a succulent interior with a crisp exterior.
• Tie the legs of the hens for an Instagram-worthy presentation and easy serving.
• Let the meat rest for ten minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in flavorful and juicy meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the bird has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
• For crispy skin, thoroughly dry the skin of the hens before placing them in the air fryer, and coat the grates of your air fryer with oil or cooking spray.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook one hen at a time if necessary.
• Rotate the basket halfway through cooking for better browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the hens with a digital thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when they are done.
• If you don't have a thermometer, the hens are cooked when the skin is golden brown, the juices run clear, and the leg slightly gives when pulled from the body.

How to get crispy skin on Cornish hens

Preparation

Before cooking, it's important to prepare the Cornish hens for the best results. Firstly, pat the hens dry with paper towels to remove all moisture—this is a crucial step to achieving crispy skin. It's also recommended to thaw the hens before cooking, which can be done overnight in the refrigerator or by submerging them in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Seasoning

The seasoning you use will add flavour and help the skin brown. You can use a general poultry or chicken seasoning, or make your own blend. For a simple option, season the hens with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or use Italian seasoning or lemon pepper. You can also try a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

When cooking, place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer, as this will help prevent the breast meat from overcooking. Cook at around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the hens and your air fryer. For two 1¼-pound hens, cook for around 35-40 minutes. Flip the hens halfway through the cooking time. The skin should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Resting and Serving

Allow the hens to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the meat reabsorb its juices, resulting in succulent and flavourful chicken. You can serve the hens with roasted or steamed vegetables, or try sides like roasted cranberry-glazed Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and mushroom risotto, or spinach salad with grapes, blue cheese, and almonds.

What temperature to cook Cornish hens at

The best temperature to cook Cornish hens in an air fryer is between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a single Cornish hen, it is recommended to cook it at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes on each side. The hen is ready when it is no longer pink at the bone, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For two Cornish hens, it is recommended to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes on one side and 15-17 minutes on the other side. The hens are ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the hens. Larger hens may take up to 40 minutes to cook, and it is recommended to check the temperature at the 35-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

How to reheat cooked Cornish hens

There are several ways to reheat cooked Cornish hens, including using an air fryer, an oven, a microwave, a stove, or a toaster oven.

Air Fryer

To reheat Cornish hens in an air fryer, preheat the fryer to 375–400°F and cook the hens for 4–5 minutes. Flip the birds halfway through the reheating process and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Oven

To reheat Cornish hens in an oven, preheat the oven to 325–350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to keep the meat moist and heat for about 10–20 minutes.

Microwave

Prepare a plate and place the chicken on it. Drizzle a little olive oil on the chicken to maintain its moisture. Cover it with microwave-safe plastic and place it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Stove

Take a skillet and place it on the stove at medium heat. Place the Cornish hens on the skillet and keep the flame at 165°F. Once reheated, take the chicken out and serve.

Toaster Oven

Take a baking pan and place the Cornish hens inside. Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F and roast the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes.

Frequently asked questions