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.
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.
Olive Oil: Helps create crispy skin and adds subtle fruity notes. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter can be used as substitutes. The oil ensures even seasoning distribution and helps spices adhere to each whole Cornish hen.
Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors. It also brings out the hens' natural flavor. Different salt types (kosher, sea salt, Himalayan) can be used.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity. Substitutions include white pepper, red pepper flakes, or ground mixed peppercorns.