Air Fryer Cornish Hens
You'll love these crispy and juicy Air Fryer Cornish Hens! They're ready in no time and are made with a tasty blend of herbs and spices.
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Servings: 2 people
Calories: 545kcal
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cornish hens (2 x 1lb cornish game hens)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F
- Combine the garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the olive oil all around the cornish hens, then rub the spice mix over them.
- Lightly grease the basket of the air fryer, then add the cornish hens, breast side down. Air Fry for 25 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 15 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
- Allow the cornish hens to rest for 10 minutes, then serve warm.
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Notes
The time and temperature for this recipe are based on a one-pound hen. If your chicken is heavier, you may need to increase the cooking time.
When cooking poultry, it's best to have a kitchen safe thermometer on hand to ensure the chicken is 165F in the thickest part.
For best results, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before air frying. This will help the chicken stay moist and juicy.
Use a cooking oil on the air fryer basket that has a high smoke point such as avocado oil or vegetable oil to keep the air fryer from smoking.
Variations
Mix in some crumbled bacon or chopped chives for a bit of crunch.
Try adding a teaspoon of dijon mustard to the olive oil for cornish hens with a tangy flavor.
For cornish hens with a sweet and smoky flavor, try mixing in smoked paprika with a bit of brown sugar.
Add fresh herbs instead of dry extra herby flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 229mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 516IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.