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A delicious plate of Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Air Fryer Cornish Hen

A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly crispy and juicy Cornish hens using an air fryer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2 hens
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cornish hens
  • 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each)
  • 2 cucchiai olive oil
  • 1 cucchiaino salt
  • 1 cucchiaino black pepper
  • 1 cucchiaino garlic powder
  • 1 cucchiaino onion powder
  • 1 cucchiaino paprika
  • 1/2 cucchiaino dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, halved

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the hens, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
  5. Squeeze the juice from one lemon half over the hens and place the lemon halves inside the cavity of each hen.
  6. Place the hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  7. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the hens over to breast side up and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.