Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners—easy to prep, full of flavor, and no oven required. This Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe makes it easy to enjoy a perfectly roasted bird—juicy inside, crispy outside, and done in under an hour. My air fryer recipes are consistently popular, which I get because it’s such a time saver in the kitchen for busy weeknights! I created this recipe for two but if you have a larger air fryer basket (mine is 8 quarts) you can easily fit two hens in it for four people! The hens are seasoned with simple herbs and spices, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even date nights, without heating up the kitchen. I serve this with a simple salad, like my panzanella salad to make it a meal. If you can’t find Cornish hens, try my Buttermilk Air Fryer Whole Chicken or my classic Whole Roasted Chicken (made in the oven). What’s for dinner? I get bored of the usual proteins, so once in a while I’ll grab a Cornish hen to switch things up. And of course, I cook it in the air fryer—mine gets so much use I wrote not one, but two Skinnytaste Air Fryer cookbooks! If you can’t find Cornish hens, try my Buttermilk Air Fryer Whole Chicken or Whole Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary. Besides the Cornish hen, the other ingredients are all pantry staples. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements. If you’re hen is frozen, thaw it for 24 to 36 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, let it sit in cold water until thawed, changing out the water every 30 minutes. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions. *Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring you don’t touch the bones. When it reads 165°F, it’s safe to eat. Bake the Cornish game hen at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes. Is a Cornish hen just a small chicken? Yes, Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are small, young hybrid chickens that weigh less than 2 pounds. They’re also leaner than regular chickens. Their smaller size makes them ideal for air frying, but if you have a larger basket (approximately 8 quarts), you can fit 2 at a time. Roasted chicken is a classic. Here are some of my favorite side dishes that would be delicious with it: For more dinner ideas, check out my Chicken Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes collections, plus these five delicious air fryer chicken recipes to inspire your next meal! Post a pic and mention @skinnytaste or tag #skinnytaste!