Air-Fried Cornish Game Hens: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cornish game hens are a delicious, gourmet meal that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal prep time and effort. The air fryer produces tender meat and crispy skin every time, and the small size of the hens makes them perfect for serving one to two people. This easy recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner and can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes. In this guide, we will walk you through the simple steps to cook Cornish game hens in an air fryer, from preparing the ingredients to serving the final dish.

How to thaw Cornish game hens

To cook Cornish game hens in an air fryer, it is recommended to thaw them before cooking. Here are some methods to safely thaw your frozen Cornish game hens:

Thawing in the Refrigerator

The most common and hassle-free method is to transfer the frozen hens to the refrigerator and let them defrost slowly and naturally overnight or for at least 24 hours. This method is recommended by the USDA and ensures that the meat thaws slowly and safely. Make sure to plan ahead as it can take up to 24 hours or even longer, depending on the size of the hen and the temperature of your refrigerator. It is best to place the hens on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, on top of a few plates or trays, to avoid any dripping on other food items. Once thawed, cook the hens within a day or two.

Thawing in Cold Water

For a quicker thawing process, you can submerge the frozen hens in a bowl of cold water. Make sure the packaging is not ripped or torn to prevent water from seeping into the package, which could affect cooking time and introduce bacteria. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool. This method is much faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it requires more attention and frequent water changes.

Do Not Thaw at Room Temperature

It is not recommended to thaw Cornish game hens at room temperature, as this may promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Always remember to pat the hens dry with paper towels after thawing and before cooking to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy skin.

Oil and seasoning

For the oil, a light, neutral-flavoured oil like olive oil is recommended. You can brush or spray the air fryer basket or racks with oil, and then rub the hens with oil as well.

As for seasoning, a general poultry or chicken seasoning will add lots of flavour and help the chicken brown. You can also use salt and pepper to taste. If you want to get creative, you can use your favourite seasonings or fresh herbs. For example, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can even try using a spoon to lift the skin and season underneath for extra flavour.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking Cornish game hens in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the bird and the brand of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the hens at 350–380 °F for 35–45 minutes. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may be shorter for smaller hens and longer for larger hens.

Some recipes suggest cooking the hens at 375 °F for 20 minutes breast side down, and then flipping them and cooking for an additional 10–15 minutes. This results in a cooking time of 30–35 minutes. It is important to ensure that the thickest part of the bird reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F before serving. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

It is also recommended to bring the Cornish game hens to room temperature before cooking and to pat them dry with paper towels to remove moisture and ensure crispy skin. Additionally, the hens can be seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices before cooking.

For reheating, the air fryer temperature can be set to 360–400 °F for 3–5 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking and to flip the birds halfway through the reheating process.

Resting the hens

The resting period is also a good time to prepare any side dishes. You could serve the hens with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or cauliflower steaks. If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, loaded mashed cauliflower is a delicious option. For those who enjoy a starchy side, a baked sweet potato or a normal baked potato are good options, as their longer cooking times mean they will be ready just as the hens finish resting.

If you have any leftover Cornish hens, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheating is best done in the air fryer or oven, and will result in the crispy skin being restored.

Reheating the hens

Leftover Cornish hens can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer or the oven.

To reheat in the air fryer, place the leftover hens in the air fryer basket and reheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes without preheating, or 1 to 2 minutes with a preheated air fryer. Keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking, and flip the birds halfway through the reheating process.

If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the hens in a baking dish, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover with foil. Transfer the hens to the oven and bake until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the amount of leftover food you're reheating.

Frequently asked questions