Air-Fried Cornish Hen: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air Fryer Cornish Hens are a quick and easy meal to cook up for a date night or a dinner party. They are a great alternative to chicken and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The Cornish hens cook in about 45 minutes and result in super crispy skin on the outside and juicy tender poultry on the inside.

Choosing and preparing your hen

Cornish hens are a smaller breed of poultry, weighing between one and two pounds. They are a great option if you're serving one or two people and are perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. You can usually find them in the freezer section of grocery stores and they often come in packs of two.

If you're using frozen hens, be sure to defrost them before cooking. Leave them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool. Do not thaw them at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.

Once your hens are thawed, remove any giblets and give them a good rinse inside and out. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is important for achieving crispy skin. You can also leave the hens uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour or even overnight to help dry out the exterior and create even crispier skin.

Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. You can use a neutral-flavored oil like olive oil, or use melted butter for a decadent alternative. Then, it's time to season your hens! You can use a simple poultry seasoning or get creative with herbs and spices. Try a classic like poultry seasoning, or bring out the chicken's earthy taste with Italian seasoning or lemon zest. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are also excellent additions.

Rub the hens with oil and sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over, making sure to get inside the cavities as well. You can also stuff the cavities with ingredients like lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs for extra flavor.

Now your hens are ready for the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the bird and the desired level of crispiness. However, here is a general guide:

Set your air fryer to between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. For a crispier skin, a higher temperature is recommended. Preheat the air fryer for about 10 minutes.

Cook the hens for 20 minutes at this temperature, breast-side down. Then, flip the hens and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the bird (usually the thigh area) reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat extra juicy and tasty.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your Cornish hens. Smaller hens (around 1-1.25 pounds) will take around 35 minutes to cook, while larger hens (up to 2 pounds) may take up to 45 minutes. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the hens to ensure they are cooked through.

Seasoning and flavour

Firstly, you'll want to pat the hens dry with paper towels. This is an important step to ensure you get that crispy skin. You can then rub the hens with olive oil, or, for a decadent alternative, brush them with melted butter.

Next, it's time to season. You can use a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or try a poultry seasoning for a classic, peppery flavour. Italian seasoning is another good option, or you could use lemon zest for a bright, sophisticated flavour. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage will add a savoury note to your hens. If you want to get creative, you can make your own seasoning blend using onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Once your hens are cooked, you can finish them with a lemon butter sauce, made by combining melted butter and lemon juice.

Resting and serving

After resting, you can carve and serve the hens. You can also sprinkle them with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for added flavour and garnish.

Cornish hens are perfect for serving one or two people, and they make an impressive dish for date nights or dinner parties. They can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed sweet potatoes and green beans, roasted or steamed vegetables, or potato and veggie sides.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three or four days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, or put them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of water to keep the meat moist.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

When storing leftovers, it is important to do so properly to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your Cornish hen. Allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature after cooking. Separating the remaining meat from the bones and carving it into slices or shredding it will make storage and reheating easier. Place the leftover meat in airtight containers or sealable bags. If using containers, choose shallow ones so that the meat can cool down and heat up more quickly and evenly. Label the containers or bags with the date and store them in the refrigerator.

Leftover Cornish hen should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of refrigeration for the best quality and food safety. This time frame ensures that the meat retains its moisture and flavor and that you minimize the risk of bacterial growth. You can also freeze the leftovers if you don't plan on eating them within this timeframe.

Freezing Leftovers:

To freeze leftover Cornish hen, use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Similar to storing in the refrigerator, it is best to separate the meat from the bones and carve or shred it before freezing. This makes thawing and reheating more convenient. Label the containers or bags with the date and store them in the freezer. The leftover Cornish hen can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

Reheating Leftovers:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Cornish hen, there are a few recommended methods for reheating to ensure food safety and optimal taste. Using your air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the leftover meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces are not overlapping. Spritz or brush the meat lightly with oil to help retain moisture. Reheat the Cornish hen for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through.

Alternatively, you can use a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Place the leftover meat in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. You can also add a small amount of liquid, such as chicken broth, to the skillet to help keep the meat moist. Covering the skillet with a lid will also help trap moisture and heat the meat more evenly.

For a quicker reheat, you can use the microwave, though this may not produce as crispy a texture as the air fryer or stovetop methods. Place the leftover Cornish hen in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for 1- to 2-minute intervals, checking and stirring the meat in between, until it is heated through.

Frequently asked questions