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Delicious juicy Cornish hen in your air fryer, the best recipe for crispy skin and fantastic flavor!
For weight watchers points: myWW green plan 5 points, blue plan 5 points, purple 5 points ( all calculations are done by adding ingredients to Weight watchers app calculator). Points are per serving.
What is a cornish hen?
Cornish hen is a little, miniature chicken. Most grocery stores will have this bird in the freezer section, at least that’s where i usually buy it from. There is no difference between the taste of a chicken and a cornish game hen. Cornish hens are an ideal dinner to serve for a special occasion, they look different and a bit festive.
We love to cook them on weekdays too. I just cook one ans split it between by kids, that’s enough to feed them and make their bellies full. For an adult, i would recommend the whole cornish hen, or even two.
How to cook this bird in Air fryer
This must be the easiest recipe i ever made, not only in the air fryer, but ever. I like to buy cornish hens in butches in Costco, my local Costco sells it in packs of six for a very good price!
So, whats is so amazing about cooking Cornish hen in the Air Fryer? Check out the steps and instructions below:
Step1. Preheat AF to 390F. While its heating up we will have time to prepare the hen.
Ste2. Rub the bird with your favorite spices (or make it simple like i did). I only used salt, pepper and paprika, smoked will be great!
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Step3. Place Cornish hen in the AF basket and wait for about 25 minutes. You may notice that you kitchen will get filld with amazing smell!
Step4. Turn half way through . This step is completely optional, because the skin will get crispy everywhere anyways. I do this just in case.
Thats it! Crispy, juicy and absolutely delicious Cornish hen is ready! Add your favorite side dish or a simple veggie salad and enjoy your dinner.
Love that color? That is exactly what you will get after you follow my recipe. So deliciously crispy and browned very well.
Make sure to check on this must have Air Fryer Accessories. This post has lots of helpful devices to make your cooking better and easier.
What to do with cornish hen leftovers?
Just like with the chicken , you can store cornish hen in the fridge for up to 3 days, then simply reheat it in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 1-2 minutes. If you need to freeze it, make sure to use an air tight container to prevent a freezer burn. Freezer for up to 3 months.
What to serve with Air fryer cornish hen
- Air fryer asparagus– clean eating option
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer corn-oh this is so good with everything!
I have more delicious air fryer recipes to try
- Whole chicken in air fryer
- Air fryer hamburger
- Air Fryer tilapia-restaurant quality!
- Hot dogs
- Fried Oreos – kids favorite!
- Best Air fryer Steak
- Air Fryer Grilled cheese -that whats we eat for breakfast
- If you are interested in more recipes , you can find them in my best air fryer recipes page
Check my fullest AIR FRYER COOKING CHART! Learn cooking time for every dish!
Air Fryer Cornish hen
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Air fryer liners
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 cornish hen
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- coconut spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Rub Cornish hen with spices . Spray Air fryer basket with olive or coconut oil spray.
- Place Cornish hen in to your Air fryer ( 390F for 25 minutes). Turn half way through.
- Carefully take it out and serve
Amanda
Monday 3rd of January 2022
Hen takes 30 minutes not 25
S. McCoy
Saturday 25th of December 2021
Very juicy. I did 2 cornish hens inside the 8qt airfryer. Will definitely make this again 👍🏽
Paul Weilage
Sunday 20th of June 2021
I didn’t not turn half way and it needed more time paul
Karla Long
Tuesday 13th of April 2021
We love game hens and this method of cooking them will change your life. Following this recipe will produce the crispiest outside and juciest meated hen ever. I cook one for the two of us, cutting completely down the backbone and the breast bone once it is done cooking. We love how these turn out so much we are eating them much more often than previously. I have passed this recipe on to everyone I know.
Tatiana Shifruk
Friday 16th of April 2021
THank you very much for trying my recipe! Glad you liked it!
Freda
Thursday 10th of December 2020
My husband and I get tired of eating leftovers for days so I tried this recipe. Turned out great. I put some lemon juice and half an onion in the cavity. Rubbed the outside with chicken rub. Even the white meat turned out nice and juicy. Will definitely make again.