Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Name: Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp rotisserie seasoning; 2 cornish game hens

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Cornish hen in the air fryer is so juicy and tender! You will love the delicious flavor and ease of preparation. The air fryer produces a golden crispy skin which makes for a great presentation. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

golden brown cornish hen in air fryer basket — **Cornish Hens in Air Fryer**

Air frying is the perfect way to cook a cornish hen! My recipe makes them taste like mini rotisserie chickens- all the flavor and minimal hassle. Cornish hens are low in fat and low carb and make a great diabetes friendly main dish.

Be sure to review the owners manual for your air fryer for detailed info regarding specific instructions on how to cook poultry. Also, keep a meat thermometer handy so you can make sure the proper cooking temp has been reached for food safety.

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What is a cornish hen?

The USDA states that Cornish game hen is a variety of broiler chicken, produced from 2 breeds of chicken - the Cornish and White Plymouth Rock. They generally weigh less than 2 pounds. Even though "game hen" is part of the name, this breed is not considered a game bird and may be either male or female.

golden brown cornish hen inside air fryer with text graphic

Why this recipe works:

We are using Cornish hens which take less time to cook than a whole chicken.
Olive oil and rotisserie seasoning give a delicious "rotisserie chicken" flavor.
The air fryer produces a crispy, golden skin for a beautiful presentation.

Another huge plus for this recipe: You control the seasoning which helps if you follow a lower sodium diet. Grocery store rotisserie chickens are notoriously high in fat and sodium making them off limits on a low sodium diet. Here's a way to get that delicious rotisserie chicken and still keep sodium levels in check!

Recipe main ingredients:

Cornish hens- easy to find at most grocery stores. Look for them in the freezer case. Cornish hens are usually priced higher than chickens.
Olive Oil- use you favorite brand or any cooking oil will also work.
Rotisserie seasoning- choose your favorite brand. Use a lower sodium type if you need to cut back on salt.

How to make this recipe step by step:

Start by coating the hens in oil then seasoning. (see photo below)
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
Place the hens in the air fryer basket breast down. (see photo below)
After 25 minutes, carefully turn the hens over and finish cooking until meat thermometer registers 165 degrees in the thickest part of thigh. (see photo below)
Carefully remove hens from air fryer and allow to set 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute ensuring a moist finished product. (see photo below)

raw cornish hens coated with seasoning — **STEP 1**

raw cornish hen in air fryer — **STEP 3**

cooked cornish hen back side up in air fryer — **STEP 4**

golden brown cornish in in air fryer — **STEP 5**

Expert tips:

Be sure to fully coat the hens with oil and seasoning for flavor in each bite.
Turn the hens carefully so as not to tear the skin.
Remember to preheat your air fryer for best results.
Refer to your air fryer owner's manual for more specific instructions.

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Frequently asked questions

How many servings is a Cornish hen?

One serving for big appetites or half the Cornish hen for 2 servings. For this recipe a serving is ½ a Cornish hen.

What should I serve with Cornish hen?

Here are a few side dishes that will pair perfectly with this recipe: Tex-Mex Keto Squash Casserole, Healthy Sweet Potato Fries,Low Carb Broccoli Salad

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