Learn how to make the perfectair fryer cornish hens for a fast and delicious meal. These tender and delicious game hens look like an elegant meal but are perfect for a busy weeknight.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Keyword: cornish hen air fryer, cornish hen in air fryer
Rub the butter mixture all over the cornish hen, making sure to get under the wings and thighs.
Preheat air fryer at 380F for 4 minutes.
Carefully pour the chicken stock into the (2-part) basket of the air fryer (see notes section if you have an oven-style air fryer).
1 cup chicken stock
Place the cornish hen breast side down in the air fryer basket.
Bake at 380F for 15 minutes.
Carefully use a spatula or tongs to flip the hen over.
Reduce air fryer temp to 350F.
Continue to cook the hen until a meat thermometer reads 165F degrees in the fattest part of the thigh keeping the tip of the thermometer off of the bone (~10-15 more minutes).
Allow the cornish hen to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting/serving.
Notes
Do not use the 1 cup of chicken stock if you have an oven-style air fryer.
If you have an oven-style air fryer that comes with rotisserie forks, you can safely use those with the cornish hens.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the cornish hen is fully cooked to 165F. Do not go by appearance alone - temp is the only safe way to determine if it is done.