Tired of complicated recipes and endless cooking time? Craving a healthy and flavorful dinner that’s ready in a flash? Then look no further! This air fryer Cornish hen recipe is your answer. It delivers juicy, crispy skin and tender meat, all while being surprisingly easy and quick to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish hens (about 1 pound each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Cornish hens cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy skin.
Prepare the hens: Rinse the Cornish hens thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Dry skin browns beautifully in the air fryer.
Season generously: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the Cornish hens, ensuring they're coated evenly. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Stuff with flavor: Place lemon quarters, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of each hen. This adds a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor to the meat.
Air fry to perfection: Carefully place the seasoned Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air fry for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked through.
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Success:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the hens in batches.
- Flip halfway: Flipping ensures even browning and cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hens reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your Cornish hens and your air fryer model.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Cornish Hen: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Cornish Hen: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or marjoram.
- Citrus Burst: Add orange or grapefruit slices along with the lemon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal option, packed with protein. The nutritional information will vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For precise values, consider using a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This air fryer Cornish hen recipe offers a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional roasting methods. The result is a juicy, flavorful, and crispy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!