Roasted Cornish Game Hen

Cornish hens, with their tender and succulent meat, make for a delightful and elegant meal option. This recipe transforms these small game birds into a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a marinade infused with fragrant herbs and spices, and the convenience of an air fryer, you can have a delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Savor the taste of perfectly cooked Cornish hens with a crispy skin, all while impressing your guests with minimal effort.

Active for 15 min and

Total for 30 min

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Cornish Hen (Approx. 2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup of Olive Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 teaspoon of Thyme
• 1 teaspoon of Rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of Lemon Sugar Zest

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Cornish Hen:

1. Place the Cornish hen upright on a cutting board with the back facing you.
2. Using a boning knife or a chef’s knife, make a vertical cut from the top of the backbone to the bottom of the backbone, effectively dividing the hen into two symmetrical halves.
3. Break the hen in half lengthwise, and then slit the breastplate across to create two equal portions. Set these portions aside.

Create the Marinade:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and lemon sugar zest.
2. Generously coat the Cornish hen pieces with the marinade, ensuring they are well-covered.
3. Refrigerate the marinated hens for at least 1 hour, or for even better flavor, up to 24 hours.

Preheat and Air Fry:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).

Prepare the Hens for Cooking:

1. Remove the hens from the marinade and use a strainer to eliminate any excess liquid.
2. Pat the hens dry with a cotton towel to remove any remaining moisture.

Air Fry to Perfection:

1. Place the marinated Cornish hens in the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry for 14-16 minutes or until the internal temperature of the leg reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once done, remove the Cornish hens from the air fryer.
2. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

TIPS:

• Cornish hens are ideal for individual servings, so this recipe serves four. Adjust quantities accordingly for larger or smaller gatherings.
• To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the Cornish hens for up to 24 hours. However, if you’re short on time, even just an hour of marinating will yield tasty results.
• Ensure the hens are patted dry before air frying to achieve that coveted crispy skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the hens. They should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the leg.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the marinated hens in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until they reach the desired temperature, typically about 25-30 minutes.

This Air Fryer Cornish Hen recipe offers a delightful balance of convenience and gourmet dining. With a delectable marinade and the magic of air frying, you’ll achieve tender, flavorful hens with a crispy skin that will leave everyone at the table impressed. Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet elegant dish.