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air fryer Cornish hens, fresh spinach, and carrots on a white plate
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Air Fryer Juicy Cornish Hens

These Air Fryer Juicy Cornish Hens are cooked fresh or frozen with plenty of herbs and spices for full flavor. These mini rotisserie chickens are great for any dinner or holiday main dish.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer cornish hens
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 530kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the lemon slices in the basket.
  • Pat the cornish hens dry. I use paper towels.
  • Rub both sides of each bird with oil. Sprinkle the seasonings and spices on both sides.
  • Place the cornish hens breast side down in the air fryer on top of the lemons. You don't want the legs to overcook.
  • Air fry for 25 minutes on 350 degrees.
  • Open the basket and flip the corn hens. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until your cornish hens have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. If you like really crispy skin, adjust and add additional cook time as necesary.
  • Place the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken, which is typically the chicken thigh area. I like to test the breast too, just to ensure the entire chicken is fully cooked
  • Remove the hens from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into the chicken. This will allow the moisture to redistribute throughout the chicken before you cut into it.

Video

Notes

  • I buy my hens with the giblets removed. If you have hens with the giblets you will have to remove them from the cavity. You can read about How to Remove Giblets from Chicken here.
  • Be sure to wash your hands and kitchen utensils really well after handling raw chicken.
  • Try to season every inch of the chicken to avoid bland chicken. Use more seasoning than the recipe suggests if needed.
  • Removing the chicken without altering the presentation can be tricky. The chicken will need to rest after cooking. If you are having trouble removing the chicken with tongs (without altering the presentation), you can always allow the chicken to cool some and then remove it with your hands.
  • Use any of your favorite seasonings. Common seasonings include poultry seasoning, sage, paprika, and more.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5hen | Calories: 530kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 39g