Air Fryer Cornish Hens
This air fryer Cornish hens recipe is a creative way of cooking this classic bird. It is so simple with its versatile flavor profile and succulent texture, it’s sure to become the hit of your dinner table! So break out the air fryer and let’s get cooking!
When I was growing up, we used to have Cornish hens as a treat meal. What I loved about it was we would each get half a hen to eat. All . . . to . . . ourselves.
That itself was a treat. There were five of us children, and although there was usually a great amount of food on our table when we had a poultry dish, I felt like I had to fight over getting a thigh or some dark meat. I’m not a poultry breast lover.
That’s why I love this recipe. A real standout for me about this recipe is the crispy skin and the taste of the juicy meat when you use the air fryer.
I love my air fryer.
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helpful
Tips
- I’ve used a few different air fryers; the oven type, the air fryer lid for my instant pot, the basket type, and the one that currently has my heart: the Instant Vortex Pro which uses trays. The IVP is my current favorite because, in my opinion, it is the easiest one to use and clean.
- The temperature and timing of the recipe are the same for oven or basket types of air fryers. But if you have the basket type, make sure the hens aren’t touching each other or just barely touching.
- In recent years, experts have changed their recommendation on whether to wash poultry before you cook it. They now say that washing the bird increases the chances of getting food poisoning and cross-contaminating other things, like kitchen tools, surfaces, and utensils. Here are two websites that talk about it.
- To minimize the chance of cross-contamination, I unwrap the chicken, drain the liquid straight down the drain, and pat the bird dry with a paper towel, both inside and out.
- Most Cornish hens come in different sizes; the average weight is around 1 1/2 pounds per bird. My hens were two different sizes, but they were cooked simultaneously, and both turned out great.
- If you have leftovers of this tender meat, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients and substitutions
How to make air fryer Cornish hens
Pre-step
Take out your air fryer, a small mixing bowl, and a whisk.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Cornish game hens, garlic powder, onion powder, tarragon, smoked paprika, salt, and olive oil.
Step two
Carefully unwrap, drain, and pat the hens dry with a paper towel inside and out.
Step three
In a small bowl, add the herbs and spices, along with salt, and pepper. (A)
Step four
Use a whisk to combine the ingredients together. (B)
Step five
Pour a little olive oil into your hand and rub the oil all over the front and back of the Cornish hens.
Step six
Take the trays out of the air fryer like mine.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over both the front and backs of the birds. Lay each hen breast side down on the air fryer tray. Try not to let the birds touch. (C)
Step seven
Pre-heat the air fryer at 400, and once it beeps, lower the temperature to 370 and place the birds in the fryer. Set the air fry timer for 40 minutes.
For the basket type, you will pre-heat it with the air fryer basket in and add the Cornish game hens after it beeps that the oven has come to temperature.
Step eight
Flip the hens at the 30-minute mark (D) and continue cooking until the timer beeps.
Step nine
Use a meat thermometer (I recommend this digital thermometer) to make sure the hens are cooked all the way through. The temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I test the thickest part of the chicken thigh.
Don’t be afraid to add extra time if the temperature isn’t right, as all hens are different sizes.
Let the birds rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them.
I decided to serve these Cornish hens with side dishes like some oven-roasted potatoes, peas, and lentils.
I also cut the hens in half the way my folks did before I plate them.
It takes me back to my childhood.
I hope you enjoyed this air fryer Cornish hen recipe. Christopher and I did. 🙂
Our Favorite
poultry recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (each one will be around 1.5 pounds)
- olive oil (extra virgin – to coat the birds)
- 2 teaspoons tarragon (dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- .25 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Unpackage the hens over the sink and pour juices down the drain. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels2 Cornish hens
- In a small mixing bowl, add tarragon, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Mix together with a whisk until combined. You will have extra rub, so don't stress.2 teaspoons tarragon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, .25 teaspoon pepper
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and set the timer for 40 minutes.
- Pour a small amount of olive oil on your hand and rub both the birds to coat the skin, front and back.olive oil
- Hold one of the birds in one hand and scoop up some of the rub with your other and sprinkle it over the hen on all sides. Repeat with the other hen and place them both on the air fryer rack breast side down.
- Once the airfryer beeps to tell you to add the food, place the rack in the air fryer. Turn the temperature down to 370.
- After 30 minutes are up, flip the birds breast side up and continue cooking for the 10 minutes still on the timer. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees F, if it needs more time add 3 minutes.
- Let the birds rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them.
- Serve
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- I’ve used a few different air fryers; the oven type, the air fryer lid for my instant pot, the basket type, and the one that currently has my heart: the Instant Vortex Pro which uses trays. The IVP is my current favorite because, in my opinion, it is the easiest one to use and clean.
- The temperature and timing of the recipe are the same for oven or basket types of air fryers. But if you have the basket type, make sure the hens aren’t touching each other or just barely touching.
- In recent years, experts have changed their recommendation on whether to wash poultry before you cook it. They now say that washing the bird increases the chances of getting food poisoning and cross-contaminating other things, like kitchen tools, surfaces, and utensils. Here are two websites that talk about it.
- To minimize the chance of cross-contamination, I unwrap the chicken, drain the liquid straight down the drain, and pat the bird dry with a paper towel, both inside and out.
- Most Cornish hens come in different sizes; the average weight is around 1 1/2 pounds per bird. My hens were two different sizes, but they were cooked at the same time, and both turned out great.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Oh man, I can’t even remember the last time I had cornish hens. I think they were even hard to find here for some reason. They are always presentation perfect.
I agree that they are somewhat hard to find. I found ours in a super Walmart in the frozen section. They come in packages of two!! 🙂 Thank you for your comment.
This cornish hen recipe made right in the air fryer is the perfect Sunday dinner. it comes out so juicy.
Thanks so much Sharon! I appreciate your comment!
We just had this and now they are asking for it again! This air fryer Cornish hen is really delicious!
Thanks so much Dennis! And I’m so pleased to hear that.
I love Cornish hen but it isn’t easy to find here in Italy. However, I can get other types of small hens so really want to try this recipe out with those. Such a great idea cooking whole hens in the air fryer and yours look yummy!
Thank you Jacqueline! I bet it would be the same with other small hens as long as it’s close to the poundage. 🙂
Cornish hen is still a treat meal for me! We loved this air-fryer recipe. Delicious and healthy!
Thank you Kate! I’m with you on it being a treat meal!
I love making dinner in the air fryer! This Cornish hen recipe came out perfectly. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
I’m so happy to hear that Tristen. Thanks so much for telling me. 🙂
I’ve never tried Cornish hens! I wonder if they even exist here in Germany. When I lived in Texas, my parents were too busy grilling steaks. 😄 I’m totally looking for these!
Hehe about the steaks, Erin. Other small birds will work as well as a small chicken. 🙂 Thanks for your comment.
I love how few ingredients this has! I bet it comes together so quickly and easy. Especially in the air fryer!
It really does, Alex. Thank you!
This is such a great air fryer recipe! You have made cornish hen go from intimidating to easy and delicious. Thank you!
Thanks so much Addison! I’m glad to hear that. I really enjoy Cornish hen.
What a delicious way to prepare Cornish hen. I absolutely must add this to my family menu. It’s easy, flavorful and so healthy. Now I can’t wait to try this.
Thank you Natalie! I hope you enjoy it when you try it.