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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Published: Jun 21, 2021 • Modified: Jan 28, 2023 by Charlotte• This post may contain affiliate links •Leave a Comment

    106 shares
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    2 golden brown cornish hens in air fryer

    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.

    RELATED RECIPES:

    • 10 Best Diabetes Chicken Recipes
    • Healthy Marinated Greek Chicken
    • Best Grilled Chicken Tenders

    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.
    air fryer with basket
    Air Fryer!

    How to make this recipe step by step:

    1. Start by coating the hens in oil then seasoning. (see photo below)
    2. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
    3. Place the hens in the air fryer basket breast down. (see photo below)
    4. 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)
    5. 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.

    RELATED POSTS:

    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Air Fryer Catfish
    • Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
    golden brown cornish game hen

    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

    Hope you enjoy this Cornish hen in air fryer recipe! Check out some of our reader favorites:

    • 10 Best Diabetes Chicken Recipes
    • 19 diabetes low carb meals you can (almost) make without a recipe
    • 26 More Diabetes Low Carb Meals You Can (Almost) Make Without A Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave your star rating and comment below!

    Recipe

    golden brown cornish hen in air fryer basket

    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    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.
    4.34 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Salt
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 491kcal
    Author: Easyhealth Living

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon rotisserie seasoning
    • 2 cornish game hens
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    Instructions

    • Coat the hens in olive oil then rub with rotisserie seasoning to cover completely.
    • Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
    • Place hens in air fryer breast down and set timer for 25 minutes.
    • Carefully flip hens and continue cooking about 7-10 minutes or until meat thermometer placed in thickest part of thigh registers 165 degrees.
    • Carefully remove hens from air fryer and allow to set 5-10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    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.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Air Fryer Cornish Hens
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
     
    491
    Calories from Fat 315
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    35
    g
    54
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    45
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    16
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    227
    mg
    76
    %
    Sodium
     
    138
    mg
    6
    %
    Potassium
     
    578
    mg
    17
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    3
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    39
    g
    78
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    306
    IU
    6
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    84
    mg
    8
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    Hi, I'm Charlotte - welcome to Easyhealth Living! Are you looking for healthy diabetes-friendly/low carb recipes? Come cook with me!

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    106 shares