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Air fryer Cornish hen on a white plate with rice and broccoli.
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Air fryer Cornish hen

How to cook Cornish hen in the air fryer.
Cuisine Global
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 1 -2 Servings
Calories 385kcal
Author Eliza

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Cornish game hen approx. 1½lb
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
  • 1 small bunch fresh rosemary and/or thyme finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 390°F/ 195°C.
  • Pat the Cornish hen dry with a paper towel.
  • Mix herbs and salt together in a small bowl.
  • Brush melted butter onto the skin of the Cornish hen, and rub herb mix into the skin. Also rub some seasoning inside the cavity [Note 1].
  • Tuck the wings in, and tie the legs together to truss the bird.
  • Place the Cornish hen into the air fryer basket [Note 2].
  • Air fry at 390°F/ 195°C for 30 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F/ 74°C [Note 3].
  • Remove Cornish hen from the air fryer, cover with tented aluminum foil, and leave to rest for at least ten minutes before serving.
  • Cut the string and serve!

Notes

  1. If you are using fresh herbs, place a small bunch of rosemary and/or thyme inside.
  2. If food tends to stick to your air fryer basket, you can spritz it with olive oil before you add the hen.
  3. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it has reached the safe temperature of 165°F/ 74°C or higher in the center of the thickest part before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 385kcal | Protein: 29g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 443mg