Cornish hens are one of my favorite “special but not fussy” dinners. They look impressive on the plate — like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen — but the air fryer makes them almost effortless. In about 45 minutes, you get golden, crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside.
These little hens are perfect for a date-night dinner, a small holiday meal, or anytime you want something cozy and comforting without roasting a full chicken. I love making them when guests are coming over because they feel gourmet but don’t keep me chained to the stove.
What Are Cornish Game Hens?
Cornish game hens are small chickens, usually between 1 and 2 pounds each. They taste just like chicken — no gamey flavor at all — but their size makes them perfect for serving 1–2 people.
Because they’re so small, they cook faster than a whole roasted chicken and are easy to split in half after cooking. I usually find them frozen in two-packs at the grocery store, so I let them thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Why I Love the Air Fryer Method
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Crispy skin without the oven: The air fryer circulates hot air around the bird, giving you deep golden skin in less time.
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Frees up oven space: Great for holiday meals when the oven is already full of side dishes.
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Hands-off cooking: Once they’re in, you just flip them once and let the air fryer do the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cornish Game Hens – 1–2 pounds each, thawed if frozen.
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Olive Oil – Helps the skin crisp up.
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Seasoning – Poultry seasoning, rotisserie chicken seasoning, or your favorite spice blend. Salt and pepper to taste.
How to Cook Cornish Hens in the Air Fryer
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Prep the Hens – Remove giblets, pat the hens dry with paper towels.
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Season – Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle with your seasoning mix, salt, and pepper.
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Air Fry – Place breast-side down in the basket. Cook at 375°F for 30 minutes.
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Flip and Finish – Turn the hens breast-side up and cook another 10–15 minutes, until the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F.
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Rest and Serve – Let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.
My Favorite Seasoning Ideas
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Classic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder.
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Herb Blend: Italian seasoning and lemon zest.
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Citrus & Pepper: Lemon pepper seasoning with fresh thyme.
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Smoky: Paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
Cornish hens go with just about any side, but here are some pairings I love:
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Roasted cranberry-glazed Brussels sprouts
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Butternut squash and mushroom risotto
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Spinach salad with grapes and blue cheese
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Mini Parmesan truffle hasselback potatoes
Leftovers and Storage
If I’m cooking for just my husband and me, I still make two hens — the extra is perfect for another meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. The meat can also be used in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Cornish Hens
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Preheat if your model requires it – Some do, some don’t.
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Oil the basket or racks – Helps prevent sticking.
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Don’t overcrowd – Air needs to circulate around each hen.
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Use a meat thermometer – Pull them out at 165°F.
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Rotate halfway – Ensures even browning.
FAQ
How long do I cook Cornish hens in the air fryer?
About 45 minutes total for two hens, depending on their size and your air fryer model.
What’s the best cooking temperature?
375°F gives crispy skin and juicy meat.
Should I rinse the hens first?
Not necessary, but patting them dry is important for crisp skin.
Can I cook them from frozen?
You can, but thawing first gives better results and crispier skin.
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
If you’ve never made Cornish hens in an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. This easy method gives you golden, crispy skin and incredibly tender, juicy meat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1–2 pounds each)
- 1–2 tablespoons poultry or chicken seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Extra salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove any giblets from the hens and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Lightly brush or spray your air fryer basket or rack with olive oil.
- Rub the hens all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning generously on all sides, gently pressing it into the skin.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (if required by your model).
- Place the hens breast-side down in the basket and air fry for about 30 minutes.
- Flip the hens so they’re breast-side up and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is beautifully crisp.
- Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before carving. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- For the juiciest results, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have one, check for doneness by gently wiggling the leg—it should move easily—and ensure the juices run clear with no pink meat.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer Cornish hens are proof that an elegant dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you get a main dish that’s worthy of holidays, date nights, or simply treating yourself to something special on a Tuesday. Crispy, juicy, and ready in under an hour — that’s my kind of cooking.
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