Description
Impress your guests or enjoy an elegant meal at home with these crispy, juicy Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens. Ready in under an hour, this recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal effort. Perfect for romantic dinners, holiday feasts, or simply treating yourself
Ingredients
- Cornish game hens: 2 (2 lbs each)
- Lemon: ½ (cut in half)
- Oil spray: As needed
For the Butter Mixture:
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (softened)
- Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Onion powder: ½ teaspoon
For the Oil Mixture:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
1. Prep the Hens:
-
- Pat dry the Cornish hens with paper towels and let them rest.
2. Prepare Butter Mixture:
-
- Mix softened butter with thyme leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt until smooth.
3. Prepare Oil Mixture:
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- Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix well.
4. Season the Hens:
-
- Insert lemon wedges into the cavity of each hen.
- Loosen the skin over the breast and spread the butter mixture underneath.
- Rub the oil mixture evenly over the hens.
5. Air Fry the Hens:
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- Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Place hens breast side down and air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Flip and cook at 400°F for another 10–17 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
6. Rest and Serve:
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- Let the hens rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best results, ensure hens are fully thawed before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the air fryer during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a complete meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American