Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This air fryer Cornish game hen recipe delivers juicy, crispy-skinned perfection in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a chicken. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Forget complicated cooking methods; this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens (about 1 pound each), patted dry
- 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 game hens cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy skin.
Prepare the Hens:
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Pat the Cornish game hens completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Place half a lemon quarter and a couple of sprigs of both rosemary and thyme inside the cavity of each hen. This adds incredible flavor and aroma.
Air Fry to Perfection:
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Place the seasoned Cornish game hens in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.
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Air fry for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the game hens from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Cornish Game Hen:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your game hens are cooked through.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your game hens and your air fryer model. Always check the internal temperature.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Butter: Create a delicious lemon herb butter by mixing softened butter with lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, and garlic. Spread this under the skin of the game hens before cooking for extra flavor.
- Spicy Game Hen: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the game hens during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This air fryer Cornish game hen recipe offers a fantastically simple way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. It's quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Happy cooking!