With the Fall season just around the corner, we all need a quick and effortless meal for a filling lunch just when the kids come back from school. My Juicy Air Fryer Cornish Hen is the ultimate dinner with plenty of herbs and spices for a full flavor. Juicy on the inside with an amazing golden crunch on the outside, this recipe is a masterpiece that deserves to be your dinner table’s main attraction. A quick meal for a lazy afternoon, or a nice addition to your family gathering, this flavorful Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe is an absolute crowd pleaser in any occasion.
This Juicy Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe was selected as a runner-up in the Taste of Home Air-Fryer Magic Contest! This recipe is insanely full of surprises!
Flavorful Air Fryer Cornish Hen
I hate to admit it, but an air fryer is a kitchen gadget I thought I would never need. Is it worth it? Or am I setting myself up for another forgotten item on the shelves? Well, this year I finally took a leap of faith and bought one. And I am so glad I did! It granted me the chance of creating this perfect Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe. And, Since September is National Chicken Month, I’ve got the pleasure of creating recipes for the Alabama Poultry Magazine, and this Cornish Hen recipe will be in the September/October 2021 issue. My first Cornish Hen In The Air Fryer turned out so good that I had this feeling it’s going to be the perfect recipe for your weekly meal rotation or for any holiday.
Cornish Hen vs. Chicken: What is the difference?
As a breed of chicken, Cornish Hens are sometimes misunderstood and misrepresented with other types of chicken. So, what is the difference? Let’s investigate. First, the first notable difference is the size. Corish Hens are about one to two pounds, and are offered as an individual portion. They also include lower fat content, and a great source of nutrients. Now to the most important point: is there a difference in taste? Well to set things straight, the difference in taste between the Cornish hen and chicken is trivial. So don’t worry because a Cornish hen is an appealing dinner presentation for an individual entrée.
Enjoy These Side Dishes With Your Plate:
You know what they say: the eye gets hungry before the stomach! So the best thing you can do is to pair this delicious juicy Cornish Hen with an appealing side dish. So want to hear my suggestion for some awesome side dishes? Well here are a few suggestions!
I would also suggest balancing out the savory rich taste of the Cornish hen with a tasty bowl of rice. Another sweet and savory combination would be serving glazed carrots next to your dish. It makes a great addition and just the sweet bit you need to balance everything out. Roasted, mashed, or just any kind of potatoes really makes a great companion to any dish! Finally, nothing can beat a bowl of your favorite green salad next to flavorful dish like this. If you want to keep it healthy, then by all means the option are endless.
Juicy Insides with an Outside Crunch!
Tips for The Perfect Cornish Hen:
- Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary to the inside of the Cornish hen to add an extra flavorful edge! Just don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Make sure you season every inch of your Cornish hen to avoid having bland chicken. If you think your piece can handle it, you can use more than the suggested amount in the recipe.
- In order not to mess up the dish’s presentation, allow it to cool down a bit before you remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you are aiming for a juicy Cornish hen, then I would suggest not cutting it after it is done cooking. Allow the juices to seep right into every part of the piece to get that distinct flavor.
As I previously said, a Cornish hen is smaller in size than a normal chicken. So, if you feel like a big appetite is knocking on your door, then this makes up for one serving. If not, then it can be cut into 2 servings for sharing.
Yes, definitely! Rinsing your Cornish hen will allow you to remove any blood or residue from packaging. Also, make sure you pat with dry paper towels before you start the seasoning.
Ingredients
- Cornish hen
- lemon pepper
- Salt Free Seasoning ( I recommend Mrs. Dash Original)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
- cooking spray
How To Make The Best Air Fryer Cornish Hen:
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray
- Wash the Cornish hen and pat dry with paper towels
- Rub both sides of the Cornish hen with olive oil and seasonings
- Air Fry for 25 minutes on 390°F
- Open the basket and flip the Cornish hen halfway through.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes if you want the skin to be a little crispier.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- TURKEY MEATLOAF WITH BREADCRUMBS
- OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST – QUICK EASTER RECIPE
- EASY CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
- 5 INGREDIENT WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
Juicy Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish Hen
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 2 tsp. salt- free seasoning
- 1-2 tsp. everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tsp. paprika or smoked paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Wash the Cornish hen and pat dry it with paper towels.
- Rub both sides of the Cornish hen with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the seasonings and spices on both sides of the hen.
- Place the Cornish hen breast side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 25 minutes on 390°F.
- Open the basket and flip the Cornish hen halfway through.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes if you want the skin to be a little crispier.
I use my air fryers alot. It’s my best kitchen gaget. But never thought to air fry a whole chicken. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Yes, I love using my air fryer too Kevin!! Thank you so much!!!
A little birdie told me that Walmart will be having a 6-in-1 air fryer on their Black Friday sale and I can’t wait to get it and try out this recipe.
I am so ready for Black Friday Deals!! I hope you try it!!
This looks so good, perfect recipe for Holiday season, thanks for sharing!!
Thank you so much!! I hope you try it!!!
This cornish hen is a family favorite for weeknight dinners!!
Thank you Mrs. Mary! I am glad you and your family enjoyed it!
I love the cornish hen recipe! Thank you!
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!