Best Air Fryer Cornish Hen Recipes

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AIR FRYER CORNISH HEN



Air Fryer Cornish Hen image

This is my basic recipe for no-fail air fryer Cornish hens. I use the Tyson® brand Cornish because they are two pounds a piece and perfect for two people once the bones are discarded. Reduce cooking time if using smaller hens. Feel free to use your favorite herbs and spices to change things up.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Time 45m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 pounds Cornish hen, giblets removed
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Pat Cornish hen dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Place hen in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Spray the top of the hen with nonstick cooking spray and cook for 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Transfer the hen to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Carve and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404.3 calories, Cholesterol 203.7 mg, Fat 28.3 g, Protein 34.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 99.5 mg

GREEK-INSPIRED AIR FRYER CORNISH HEN



Greek-Inspired Air Fryer Cornish Hen image

This is one of the most tender and flavorful Cornish hens you will ever eat. The best part is that you throw it in and walk away. No shaking, flipping, or fuss. I use the Tyson® hens because they are 2 pounds a piece and perfect for two people. Reduce cook time if using smaller hens.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Time 45m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon dried dill weed
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
⅛ teaspoon paprika
1 (2 pound) Chicken, cornish game hens, meat and skin, raw

Steps:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Whisk together olive oil, oregano, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and paprika together. Brush mixture on all sides of the hen, paying particular attention the the wings and legs.
  • Place hen in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 30 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.5 calories, Carbohydrate 0.5 g, Cholesterol 203.7 mg, Fat 35.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 34.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 100 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

CORNISH HEN -N'- "AIR FRYER"



CORNISH HEN -n'-

I pulled out a Cornish Hen from the freeze and placed it in the refrigerate for a couple of days to thaw out. The day I was going to fix it, I was going to put it in the oven and bake it. Then I got to thinking about the AIR FRYER. WHY NOT!!! Instead of heating up the stove and the house, I went with the AIR FRYER!! And it was a...

Provided by Bobby (*_*)

Categories     Other Main Dishes

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 air fryer
1 cornish hen - 22 oz
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 sprig(s) rosemary - cut into
2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Steps:

  • 1. 1 (ONE) AIR FRYER
  • 2. Get all the ingredients together.
  • 3. Mix all spices together in a cup, except the rosemary, and put oil in the cup and stir. Stir a few times occasionally, to get a good blend.
  • 4. Take Cornish hen out of the plastic wrap, and place on a plate and let set. (The 45 minutes was adding in prep time)
  • 5. Stir the spices!!
  • 6. Turn on AIR FRYER to, 320 degrees, for PRE-HEAT for 10 minutes.
  • 7. STIR SPICES!!!
  • 8. Rub spices all over the Hen.
  • 9. Break the Rosemary into and place in the cavity.
  • 10. Tie the legs together with butcher twine or cotton twine, and fold wings to the back of Hen.
  • 11. Let Hen rest for a few minutes.
  • 12. Take Hen and hold it up for a few seconds to let the oil drip away from the under-side of Hen and place Hen in the basket of the AIR FRYER.
  • 13. Place basket in AIR FRYER and turn the timer for 10 minutes and let cook.
  • 14. After the 10 minutes, open the basket, and turn chicken over, shut the basket, sat timer for 10 minutes and let it cook.
  • 15. After the 10 minutes, open the basket, and turn chicken over, shut the basket, sat timer for 10 minutes and let it cook.
  • 16. After 10 minutes, pull Hen out and let rest 3 to 5 minutes.
  • 17. Cut twine and remove Rosemary!
  • 18. Cut in half
  • 19. Plate it, along side of a cut Sweet potato with butter and brown sugar YUMMMMM - YUMMMM!!

Cornish hens are small chickens that originated in Cornwall, England. Their small size and tenderness make them a popular dish, especially during festive occasions. One way to enjoy a delicious and healthy Cornish hen meal is by using an air fryer. Air fryers cook food with little or no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. In this article, we will discuss what air fryer Cornish hen recipes entail.

Health Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers have numerous health benefits, and this is why they are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the benefits include;
Low Fat Cooking
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture with little or no oil. Traditional cooking methods require deep-frying, which adds unhealthy fats and calories to dishes. Using an air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oils and fats, reducing the total calorie and fat intake.
Minimal Acrylamide
Acrylamide is a potentially harmful substance that can be formed when cooking starch-rich foods at high temperatures. Air fryers cook food at lower temperatures, reducing the formation of acrylamide, making your meals healthier.
Saves Time and Energy
Using an air fryer can save time and energy since it cooks faster than traditional ovens. You can also cook different foods simultaneously, which can save you time in the kitchen.

Preparation

Before cooking the Cornish hen, you need to prepare it adequately. Here's how to prepare a Cornish hen for air frying:
Thaw the Hen
If you're using a frozen Cornish hen, thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by placing the hen in the refrigerator overnight.
Cut the Hen
Cut through the chicken's backbone to flatten it. This position allows heat to distribute evenly, ensuring that the meat cooks evenly.
Season the Hen
The next step is to season the hen. You can use whatever seasoning you prefer, such as garlic, pepper, thyme, rosemary, or lemon. Seasoning gives your dish flavor and makes it more enjoyable.

Cooking the Cornish Hen in the Air Fryer

Once the Cornish hen is prepped, it's time to cook! Here's how to air fry a Cornish hen:
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. The preheating process ensures that the Cornish hen will cook evenly.
Insert the Hen into the Air Fryer Basket
Place the Cornish hen in the air fryer basket with the skin side down. This position allows the skin to become crispy and brown.
Cook the Hen
Set the timer to 25 minutes and let the Cornish hen cook. Flip the hen over with a pair of tongs halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides cook evenly. Once cooked, the internal temperature of the Cornish hen should be 165°F.
Rest the Hen
After cooking, rest the hen for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.

Conclusion

Air fryer Cornish hen recipes are a delicious and healthier way to prepare this classic dish. Preparation is crucial when it comes to air frying, and with the above steps, you will have a tasty Cornish hen meal that your family and friends will love. Remember to season the chicken, preheat your air fryer, and let the Cornish hen rest after cooking!
Cornish hens are small, succulent birds that are perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a fancy dinner without too much fuss. Cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy them without all the added fat and grease of traditional frying or roasting methods. In this article, we will provide valuable tips for making air fryer Cornish hen recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Tip #1: Prepare the Cornish Hen

The first step in making air fryer Cornish hens is to properly prepare the bird. Start by cleaning the Cornish hen and removing any remaining feathers or excess fat. Rinse the bird under cool water to remove any debris, and then pat it dry with paper towels. Once the bird is dry, seasoned it with your favorite blend of spices and herbs. You can use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little olive oil or butter to enhance the flavor of the bird. Rub the seasoning over the Cornish hen to ensure that it is well coated.

Tip #2: Use the Right Temperature and Cooking Time

Air fryers vary in size and wattage, so it is important to know the correct temperature and cooking time for your specific model. A general rule of thumb is to set the temperature between 350-400°F and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes. However, you should refer to the instruction manual for your specific air fryer to get the most accurate cooking guidelines. It is also important to remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the Cornish hen. This will ensure that the bird cooks evenly and completely throughout.

Tip #3: Choose the Appropriate Cooking Method

There are several different methods for cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer. You can either cook the bird whole or spatchcock (butterfly) it for faster cooking time. Cooking the bird whole is a great option if you want to present a beautiful, whole bird on the table. Simply place the seasoned Cornish hen in the air fryer basket and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Spatchcocking the bird involves cutting out the backbone and flattening the bird for even cooking. This method can reduce the cooking time by half and provides a crispy skin. To spatchcock a Cornish hen, use kitchen shears to cut out the backbone and press the bird flat. Then, season and cook the bird according to your air fryer's instructions.

Tip #4: Use Flavorful Ingredients

Cornish hens are known for their tender, juicy meat and delicate flavor. However, adding flavorful ingredients to the bird can enhance its taste even more. Consider stuffing the Cornish hen with herbs, garlic, lemon, or other aromatic ingredients. You can also brush the bird with butter or olive oil for added flavor and moisture. Additionally, consider serving the Cornish hen with flavorful sauces or dips. A creamy mushroom sauce, tangy chimichurri, or spicy salsa can take your air fryer Cornish hen to the next level.

Tip #5: Use a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is a valuable tool when cooking Cornish hens in an air fryer. It ensures that the bird has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F and that it is fully cooked. Using a meat thermometer also helps prevent overcooking or undercooking the bird, which can result in dry or undercooked meat. To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the bird without touching the bone. Wait a few seconds for the temperature to stabilize, and then remove the thermometer to check the temperature.

Conclusion

Air fryer Cornish hen recipes are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional frying or roasting methods. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your Cornish hen is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Whether you cook the bird whole or spatchcock it, season it with flavorful ingredients, and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it is fully cooked, you are sure to impress your family and friends with this versatile and delicious dish.

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