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Air Fryer Cornish Hens are so simple to prep, and you get that crispy skin on the outside, and juicy flavorful chicken on the inside.
Just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep are all it takes for this cornish game hens recipe.
If you are a fan of chicken recipes, I have a few more for you to check out.
Serve up this cheesy chicken ranch dip, chicken stuffing casserole, or even this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore.
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
While I love to cook cornish hens in the oven, my new favorite method is now the air fryer.
I love how amazing they turn out each and every time.
It is a must-try if you own an air fryer!
What Are Cornish Hens
Cornish hens are basically miniature chickens.
You’ll find that cornish hens are normally in the freezer section, vs the fresh meat aisle.
If you are looking for single-serving dishes or chicken for one, cornish game hens are a great option.
Chicken and cornish game hens taste the same. The biggest difference is the size.
The hens are single-serve and can make an elegant presentation, or maybe someone who is single can make just for themselves for a meal.
Ingredients for Cornish Game Hens
Butter Seasoning Salt Garlic & Herb Seasoning Cooking SprayHow to Make Cornish Game Hens in an Air Fryer
Full directions are in the printable recipe card below. This is a quick walk-through on how it is made.
Step 1: Coat the hens in butter. The more the better!
Step 2: Sprinkle with seasoning salt & garlic & herb seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Spray the air fryer rack with cooking spray and place the hens in the air fryer.
Step 4: Cook the hens at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & enjoy!
What Is Good To Serve With Cornish Hens
Because chicken is so versatile you will find you can serve almost anything next to the hens.
Here are a few of my favorite pairings you might want to try.
Risotto Mashed Potatoes Mashed Cauliflower or Cauliflower Rice Steamed or Roasted Vegetables Side Salad Baked beans Etc
Variations And Tips
Feel free to change the ingredients of seasonings to fit what you and your family like. I recommend using butter over margarine. Make sure to always check on your cornish hens, as depending on the size and how your air fryer heats, the time can change when your chicken is done. Make sure if you cook more than one chicken at a time, there is space between them and they don’t overlap. Or the areas they touch will not cook properly. The air fryer has heat that needs to circulate around the food. Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.Can You Cook a Frozen Cornish Hen in an Air Fryer?
You can cook frozen cornish hens in the air fryer.
The biggest thing is to make sure to add time to your cooking process, as it will take longer to ensure the chicken gets cooked all the way through.
Cooking your hens from frozen can alter the overall texture a bit, as it won’t be as crispy as it would be if thawed initially, and the seasonings will have a more challenging time sticking.
How to Know When Cornish Hens are Done?
Just like a classic chicken, reach for a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Make sure your thermometer is not on a bone, or it can read a false temperature and show your chicken is hotter than it really is, and you run the risk of eating raw meat.
More Dinner Recipes
If you liked this dinner recipe, you’ll love these ones too:
Air Fryer Cajun Wings – These Cajun Wings are loaded with incredible flavor! Chicken Bryan – This chicken dinner recipe is the PERFECT Carrabba’s copycat! Chicken Stuffing Casserole – It can easily be made ahead of time and put into the oven when you are ready to cook it for dinner. Chicken Cacciatore – Such a simple recipe that packs a lot of flavor and leaves everyone thinking you put much more effort into preparing it than you actually need to.
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