If you enjoy tender chicken that cooks quickly, this Air Fryer Cornish Hens recipe is perfect for you.
We love Cornish hens because they’re perfect for special occasions and also perfect for small servings. The best part? Cooking them in the air fryer ensures they’re ready in no time.
Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Try Lemon Herb Chicken, Italian Chicken Cutlets, Bacon Wrapped Chicken in Air Fryer, and Jamaican Fried Chicken.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy Preparation: This easy air fry cornish hens recipe takes just about an hour from start to finish, making it a great option for a holiday meal, weeknight dinner, and special occasions.
Incredibly Crispy Skin: The air fryer oven method guarantees a golden-brown, crispy exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.
Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying requires minimal oil, reducing overall fat content compared to traditional roasting methods.
Impressive Presentation: These miniature chickens look elegant and are sure to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make air fried cornish hen.
Ingredient Notes
Cornish Hens: These small chickens are perfect for individual servings. Typically weighing between 1–2 pounds, they're more tender and flavorful than regular chicken. You can use a whole chicken instead for this easy air fryer recipe.
Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated, sweet onion flavor without added moisture. Granulated onion or shallot powder can be used instead.
Garlic Powder: Offers intense garlic flavor without raw garlic's sharpness and adds depth and aromatic complexity.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the hens. I used smoked paprika but regular paprika will do just fine.
Italian Seasoning: This pre-mixed blend from the grocery store contains dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Feel free to make your own blend with individual dried herbs, fresh herbs, or herbes de Provence. You can also use your favorite seasonings. I sometimes use lemon pepper seasoning or poultry seasoning.
How To make Air Fry Cornish Hens Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1. Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set it aside.
Step 2. Prep the Cornish Hens
Pat the whole Cornish hens dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush each hen generously with olive oil, ensuring that you coat the outside of the hen evenly.
Step 3. Season the Hens
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the miniature chickens, covering the breast side, legs, and cavity for maximum flavor.
Step 4. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
Step 5. Cook the Hens
Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook them for 25 minutes. Flip the hens breast-side up and continue cooking 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin will become golden brown and crispy.
Step 6. Rest the Hens
Remove the hens and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices.
Step 7. Serve and Enjoy
Carve the air fryer cornish hens and serve them with your favorite side dishes like rice, a salad, or green beans.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Always pat hens completely dry before oiling and seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness.
Allow hens to reach room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact.
Add citrus zest to the spice mixture for bright citrusy notes.
Place a slice of lemon or herbs inside the cavity for aromatics.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store the hens in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each hen individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating Methods:
Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Oven: 325°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: Not recommended because it can dry out the meat
Additions
Seasoning Variations
Cajun seasoning
BBQ spice rub
Your Questions Answered
They are young chickens, typically 4–5 weeks old, of the Cornish breed.
Yes, but I recommend thawing them completely in the refrigerator first and patting each hen dry before oiling and seasoning.
It depends on the size of your air fryer.
Feel free to use a conventional oven at 375°F. Be sure to turn over the hens midway.
Yes, you can season and refrigerate the hens up to 24 hours before cooking. Doing this will result in hens with delicious flavor.
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Recipe
Air Fry Cornish Hens
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set it aside.
- Pat the whole Cornish hens dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush each hen generously with olive oil, ensuring that you coat the outside of the hen evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the miniature chickens, covering the breast side, legs, and cavity for maximum flavor.
- Place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook them for 25 minutes. Flip the hens breast-side up and continue cooking 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin will become golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the hens and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Carve the air fryer cornish hens and serve them with your favorite side dishes like rice, a salad, or green beans.
Madhu says
Saving this air fry Cornish hens recipe. Sounds like a quick and impressive dinner idea!
Tina says
Why are these so cute?! Love how easy and delicious these are in the air fryer! Thanks for the recipe!
Risa says
Such an impressive dinner, and I love that they can be prepared in the air fryer! Thanks for the great recipe!