Ingredients
– 2 Cornish hens, each weighing 1 to 1 ½ pounds (approximately 450 to 680 grams), fully thawed
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1-Remove Cornish hens from the refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Let them rest while preparing the seasoning.
2-Mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3-Rub olive oil evenly on all sides of the hens, including inside the cavity.
4-Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the hens’ skin and inside the cavities.
5-Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C).
6-Place hens breast side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
7-Air fry for 20 minutes; then flip the hens and cook for an additional 15-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
8-Remove hens and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Last Step:
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🌬️ Ensuring the skin is very dry before cooking helps achieve crispiness.
❄️ Fully thaw hens before cooking for even heat distribution and juicy meat.
🍽️ Starting with the hens placed breast side down prevents overcooking the breast meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 975
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1441mg
- Fat: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 78g
- Cholesterol: 455mg