Air Fryer Cornish Hen Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Feb 8th 2022 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 18th 2024
Read time: 2 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Front shot of Air Fryer Cornish Hen in a plate with rice and brussels sprouts on the side

The best way to highlight your culinary skills is to make Cornish hens. Cornish hens are the perfect way to wow a crowd. These Air Fryer Cornish Hens will even wow persons on the keto diet. Best of all, there's no need to pull out your roasting pan. Use an air fryer. You will get a beautiful golden bird with crispy skin and succulent meat. We chose to flavor this bird with basil, thyme, and oregano, as well as smoked paprika to help it turn a beautiful golden color. Serve this with rice or for a keto recipe, serve with Brussels sprouts for an award-winning dinner that will impress anyone who eats this meal. 

Author: Sarah Leadon
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
44 mins
Total Time
49 mins
Serves
8 persons

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme

  • 1 tablespoon Dried Basil

  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano

  • 2 (1.5 lb) Cornish Hens

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer at 350 °F.

 

Whisk the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano in a small bowl. 

Place the Cornish hens onto a baking sheet and brush them with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Coat the Cornish hens with the seasoning mixture and Rub it into the meat to make sure they are coated well. 

Place the Cornish hen's breast side up in the air fryer basket and cook it for 20 minutes. 

Turn the Cornish hens over and cook them for 20 minutes until a food-safe thermometer inserted into or aimed at the thickest portion of the breast meat registers 165 °F.

Turn the Cornish hens over, so they are breast side up, and cook it for another 5 minutes to allow the skin to get crispy. 

Use a pair of tings to remove the Cornish hens from the air fryer. 

Serve the Cornish hens with rice and Brussels sprouts if desired.

Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

More posts by Sarah Leadon

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