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

Cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal for one or two people. The small size of the hens means they cook much faster than a whole roasted chicken, and the air fryer helps to ensure the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.

There are a few simple steps to follow to cook Cornish hens in an air fryer. First, pat the hens dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Then, create a seasoning mix of your choice and rub this all over the hens. Place the hens in the air fryer basket breast-side down and cook at 350-390°F for 20 minutes. Flip the hens and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finally, remove the hens from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to prep the hen

Preparing a Cornish hen for the air fryer is simple and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

• Dry the hen: Use paper towels to pat the hen dry on all sides. This step is important as it ensures that the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect, golden-brown skin.
• Oil the hen: Drizzle or rub olive oil (or another light, neutral-flavoured oil) over the hen, making sure to cover all sides and the inside cavity. This will help the seasonings stick to the bird and enhance the flavour.
• Season the hen: You can use a variety of seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, poultry seasoning, or even fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, and then sprinkle and rub them onto the hen, ensuring an even coating. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour profile.
• Prep time: You can season the Cornish hens up to two hours before cooking and keep them covered in the fridge. This allows the flavours to really penetrate the meat.

Additional Tips:

• Thawing: While some people cook frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer, it is generally recommended to thaw them first for the best results. 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.
• Resting: After air frying, let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and flavourful meat.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the size of your Cornish hens. Smaller hens (around 1 to 1.25 pounds) will take around 35-40 minutes to cook, while larger hens (closer to 2 pounds) may take up to 45 minutes or longer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the hen has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
• Presentation: For an impressive presentation, consider trussing the legs of the hens with kitchen twine before cooking. This optional step gives the dish a neat and elegant appearance.

Now you're ready to pop that hen in the air fryer!

How to season the hen

Seasoning your Cornish hen is a crucial step in achieving a mouthwatering dish. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your hen to perfection:

Pat the Hen Dry:

Start by removing any moisture from the surface of the hen. Use paper towels to pat the Cornish hen dry on all sides, ensuring no water remains. This step is important because it helps the oil and seasonings adhere better to the skin.

Oil the Meat:

Rub olive oil or melted butter generously over the entire surface of the hen, including inside the cavity. You can use about one tablespoon of oil or butter for each hen. This step will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote even browning.

Mix Your Seasonings:

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can go with a simple mix of salt and pepper or get creative with other herbs and spices. Some popular options include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!

Season the Hen:

Now, it's time to apply the seasoning mixture. Sprinkle it evenly over the hen, making sure to cover all sides and the cavity area. Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well and there are no clumps, which could burn during cooking.

Stuff the Cavity (Optional):

For added flavor, you can stuff the cavity of the hen with aromatics like lemon wedges, rosemary sprigs, or other herbs of your choice. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the flavor and aroma of your dish.

Let it Rest:

After seasoning, let the hen rest while you preheat your air fryer. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature and ensure more even cooking. It also gives the seasonings time to permeate the meat, enhancing the flavor.

By following these steps and choosing your favorite seasonings, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and beautifully seasoned Cornish hen!

How to cook the hen

Preparation:

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. You will need two Cornish hens, and some seasonings of your choice. Popular seasonings include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use olive oil or melted butter to rub on the hens for extra flavour and moisture.

Step 1:

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the skin will become crispy during cooking.

Step 2:

Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. You can also add olive oil or melted butter to this mixture to create a rub.

Step 3:

Rub the Cornish hens with the oil or butter, making sure to cover all sides and the inside cavity. Then, sprinkle or rub the seasoning mixture over the hens, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 4:

Preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 350-390°F (176-200°C).

Step 5:

Place the seasoned Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, breast-side down. It is recommended to cook two hens at a time for even cooking.

Step 6:

Cook the hens for 20 minutes, then flip them over. Continue air frying until the thickest part of the bird reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This final cooking stage should take around 15-20 minutes, and the skin should become golden brown and crispy.

Step 7:

Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and flavourful meat.

Tips:

• For even cooking, it is best to let the Cornish hens come to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer.
• Fully thaw frozen hens before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a succulent interior and crisp exterior.
• Position the hens breast-side down in the air fryer to prevent the breast meat from overcooking.
• Tying the legs of the hens is optional but helps with presentation and makes serving easier.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the bird has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked Cornish hens!

How to serve the hen

Once your Cornish hen is cooked, it's important to let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

When serving, you can either carve the hen and plate it for your guests, or present the whole bird at the table and let your guests carve their own portions. If you're serving a larger group, you may want to carve the hen in the kitchen beforehand.

As for side dishes, there are many options that would complement the Cornish hen. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Maple Cranberry Sauce
• Chestnut Soup
• Butternut Squash Salad
• Baked Goat Cheese Salad
• Lemon Herb Quinoa
• 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
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Smothered Green Beans
• Air Fryer Carrots (Sweet or Savory)
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Carrots
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Mashed Potatoes
• Salads

You can also serve the Cornish hen with gravy or your favorite sauce.

How to store leftovers

To store your leftover Cornish hens, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep in the fridge for up to three or four days.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, trim the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to two or four months.

To reheat your leftovers, you can use either the air fryer or the oven. For the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and cook the hens for 4-5 minutes. Flip the hens halfway through the reheating process and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For the oven method, set the temperature to 350°F, place the hens in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of water, and heat for about 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions