Air Fryer Cornish Hen – TBMW

This air fryer cornish hen recipe gives you tender, juicy meat encrusted with perfectly seasoned crispy skin in less than 40 minutes.

Want to change up your roasted chicken game? Try this air fryer cornish hen recipe.

It’s so much faster and easier than the roasted counterpart. It cooks in a fraction of the time and tastes incredible.

Why this recipe works

• Restaurant-quality results. Want restaurant-quality Cornish game hen? Then stick with the air fryer method. It takes less than 40 minutes and gives you juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside meat from the comfort of your kitchen.
• No excess oil. Hot air rapidly circulates around the hen in the air fryer. This, plus only 1 tablespoon of oil, creates a crispy golden-brown skin and juicy, tender meat.
• Individual servings. Need a cozy dinner for one or a romantic dinner for two? This recipe has you covered. It’s also easy to double or triple for families and get-togethers!
• Mess-free. Just like air fryer bacon, air fryer burgers, and air fryer brats, the clean-up after cooking cornish hen is a breeze! The air fryer contains all of the excess grease instead of splattering it all over your kitchen.

Ingredients needed

This air fryer cornish game hen is so easy, and besides the poultry and some seasonings, there isn’t anything else needed to make. Here is what you’ll need:

• Cornish hen. Use a Cornish hen that’s small enough to fit in your air fryer basket. Pick up as many as you need so everyone gets their own hen!
• Ground spices. Garlic powder and onion powder provide an aromatic, savory flavor, while paprika adds a touch of warmth and smokiness. 
• Dried herbs. I used dried rosemary and dried basil leaves, but oregano, parsley, and sage also taste great on poultry.  
• Olive oil. Only a small amount of oil is needed to coat the skin and help it cook to golden brown and crispy perfection.
• Salt and pepper. To help the incredible flavors in this recipe taste balanced. 

How to cook a Cornish hen in the air fryer

Air fried cornish hens are so easy: just remember to pat dry the poultry before adding the seasonings.

Make the spice blend: Combine the spices and herbs in a small bowl. 

Season: Pat the Cornish hen dry, rub it with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then rub the spice mix all over. 

Air fry: Place the bird in the air fryer basket and cook until it’s golden brown. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

Tips to make the best recipe 

• Preheat the air fryer: A hot, preheated air fryer will always give you an evenly cooked Cornish hen with extra crispy skin. Yum!
• Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best tool to use if you’re unsure if the bird is cooked through or not. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the hen as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready to come out of the air fryer when the internal temperature is between 160ºF and 165°F. 
• Let it rest: Let the Cornish hen rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes after air frying. This gives those wonderful meaty juices time to settle, giving you the most moist and tender meat. 

Flavor and recipe variations

There are almost no rules when it comes to adding flavor to poultry. The seasoning options are endless!

My favorite ways to give Cornish game hens a pop of flavor is with dry rubs and marinades:

Dry rubs. Pat the hen dry with paper towels before seasoning it with blackened seasoning, Cajun spice rub, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, or poultry rub.

Marinades. Let the hen soak for 1 to 4 hours or overnight in teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, 4-ingredient chicken marinade, or hot honey.

Storage instructions

To store: Transfer the leftover Cornish hen to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Once the Cornish hen has cooled to room temperature, place it in a large ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat: Heat the leftover Cornish hen in a 360ºF air fryer until the skin is crispy again and the meat is heated through.

More air fryer chicken recipes 

Frequently asked questions