Air Fryer Cornish Game Hen

5 from 2 votes

This perfectly seasoned air fryer Cornish hen is irresistibly crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer cornish hen, cornish hen air fryer, cornish hen in air fryer

Servings: people

Prep the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes and grease the air fryer basket.
Prep the hen. Rinse the Cornish hen under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Also, dry the inside cavity of the hen.
Make the seasoning. Whisk together the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and oregano.
Season the hen. Rub the olive oil all over the Cornish game hen, coating it evenly, and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the bird.
Air fry. Place the seasoned game hen in the preheated air fryer basket, breast-side down. Cook for 20 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Check for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the breast of the bird. It should read 165°F. If it’s not there yet, cook for 5 more minutes and check the temperature again. Repeat if necessary.
Rest. Once the Cornish game hen is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Thaw: Cornish hens usually come frozen - thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Dry the Hen: Pat dry the bird, inside and out.
Marinate or Brine: Consider marinating or brining the hens beforehand. This can help enhance the flavor and retain moisture during the cooking process. You can also season the cornish hens and let the rub sit for 30 minutes or up to 1½ hours to allow the salt and spices to penetrate the meat before cooking.
Rub Under the Skin: For even more flavor, gently separate the skin from the meat and rub some of the seasonings directly on the meat beneath.
Let it Rest: Just as with larger roasted meats, allowing the hen to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help redistribute and lock in the juices.
Avoid Overcrowding: When doubling the recipe, ensure hens have ample space in the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
Temperature Check: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness - it should register at 165°F in the meat's thickest part. Cook longer if needed.