Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners—easy to prep, full of flavor, and no oven required.
Cornish Hen in the Air Fryer
This Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe makes it easy to enjoy a perfectly roasted bird—juicy inside, crispy outside, and done in under an hour. My air fryer recipes are consistently popular, which I get because it’s such a time saver in the kitchen for busy weeknights! I created this recipe for two but if you have a larger air fryer basket (mine is 8 quarts) you can easily fit two hens in it for four people! The hens are seasoned with simple herbs and spices, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even date nights, without heating up the kitchen. I serve this with a simple salad, like my panzanella salad to make it a meal. If you can’t find Cornish hens, try my Buttermilk Air Fryer Whole Chicken or my classic Whole Roasted Chicken (made in the oven).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Besides the Cornish hen, the other ingredients are all pantry staples. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Cornish Game Hens are a nice alternative to a whole chicken if you’re only cooking for one or two people.
- Olive Oil is used to create a rub for the chicken, which adds moisture and flavor.
- Herbs: Chop fresh thyme and rosemary. You can also use dried herbs or a mix, such as Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper. You can use any seasoning you like, such as paprika or poultry seasoning.
- Lemon: Stuff the hen with lemon wedges to infuse it with citrus flavor.
How to Air Fry a Cornish Hen
If you’re hen is frozen, thaw it for 24 to 36 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, let it sit in cold water until thawed, changing out the water every 30 minutes. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
- Prep the Cornish Hen: Pat the outside of the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. To dry the inside, stand the bird up on a baking sheet so the liquid drains from the cavity.
- Make the Rub: Combine the olive oil, half of the salt, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Season the Hen: Rub the paste all over and put the lemons inside. Tie the legs with kitchen twine to make it easier to get the hen in the air fryer (optional). Let the chicken rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate uncovered overnight. The longer you leave it, the more flavor it will develop.
- How Long to Air Fry a Cornish Hen: Spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment and put the chicken inside. Air fry at 380°F for 20 minutes on each side*
- Rest: Remove the hen from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting, which will prevent the juices from running out.
*Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring you don’t touch the bones. When it reads 165°F, it’s safe to eat.
No air fryer? No problem!
Bake the Cornish game hen at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
FAQ
Is a Cornish hen just a small chicken?
Yes, Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are small, young hybrid chickens that weigh less than 2 pounds. They’re also leaner than regular chickens. Their smaller size makes them ideal for air frying, but if you have a larger basket (approximately 8 quarts), you can fit 2 at a time.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Roasted chicken is a classic. Here are some of my favorite side dishes that would be delicious with it:
Storage
- Refrigerate the Cornish game hen for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Remove the chicken from the bones and freeze it in an airtight container for 3 months.
- How to Reheat: Thaw the chicken in the fridge, and eat it cold or microwave it until warm. It’d be great added to salads, soups, or grain bowls.
- Meal Prep Tip: If you’re air fryer is larger, double the recipe and cook 2 hens at the same time.
- Bonus Tip: Save the carcass and use it to make homemade chicken stock.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
For more dinner ideas, check out my Chicken Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes collections, plus these five delicious air fryer chicken recipes to inspire your next meal!
Yield: servings
Serving Size: 1 /2 hen, skin removed
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Dry off your cornish hen with paper towels. Make sure the hen is dry, including the inside. It helps to prop them up initially so the liquid drains from the cavity.
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Prepare the paste in a small bowl. Use everything except for ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the lemon. Combine all ingredients and create your paste and set aside.
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Use the ¼ teaspoon of reserved salt to season the cavity of the hen. Coat the hen with the herb seasoning all around and stuff each cavity with the lemon pieces. Tie the legs with kitchen twine.
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Let the hen rest for 30 minutes or up to overnight, uncovered in the refrigerator.
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Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil and set the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry 380°F degrees for 20 minutes. Flip the hens over carefully and cook for another 20 minutes.
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Let them stand 10 minutes before carving.
Last Step:
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If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can make 2 at the same time by doubling the recipe.
No Air Fryer? No Problem
Bake the Cornish game hen at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
Serving: 1 /2 hen, skin removed, Calories: 434.5 kcal, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 68.5 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 3.5 g, Cholesterol: 309.5 mg, Sodium: 653 mg, Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 0.5 g
