How to Cook Cornish Hen in Air Fryer

Two air fryer cornish hens on a plate with lemon halves and greens.

5 from 9 votes

How to Cook Cornish Hen in Air Fryer

Cornish Hen in Air Fryer comes out super juicy with a crispy outer skin flavored with herbs. Learn how to cook Cornish hen in air fryer with this easy to follow recipe.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 78kcal

Author: Tristin - Home Cooked Harvest

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

2 2-lb cornish game hens
2 tablespoons olive oil divided
1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 large lemon cut in half
4 large whole garlic cloves crushed

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
In a small bowl, combine together paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Press fingers between the skin and the meat to separate the two from each other. Add 1/4 of the oil under the skin spreading as well as you can. Then spread 1/4 of the herb mixture under the skin.
Using another 1/4 of the oil, coat both sides of the outside of the hen. Sprinkle on 1/4 of herbs on both sides of bird.
Stuff the lemon wedge and whole garlic into the inside of the bird.
Repeat for the second bird if making two.
Place the hens into the preheated air fryer breast down. Cook for 25 minutes then flip over to the other side. Cook for 10-15 more minutes until the internal temperature on a thermometer reacher 165°F. Pull the hens out of air fryer and let rest for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

You definitely want to use a meat thermometer to ensure the rock cornish hen is cooked all the way through.
If you are only making one hen, you can cut all the ingredients in half.
If your hens are smaller then they may need less cooking time and if they are a bit larger may need more cooking time, use the thermometer to check temperature.
Don't be afraid to open the air fryer at any time to check on the hens.

* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

Nutrition