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Cornish Hen in Air Fryer

5 from 1 vote

This Air Fryer Cornish Hen comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted with lemon, fresh herbs and spices, it’s packed with flavor easy to make for dinner any night of the week.

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 40

refrigeration and resting time: 40

Total Time: 1 40

Yield: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, main dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 cornish game hen (about 1 ½ pounds)
½ tablespoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
½ tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon crushed black pepper
½ lemon (quartered)

Instructions

Dry off your cornish hen with paper towels. Make sure the hen is dry, including the inside. It helps to prop them up initially so the liquid drains from the cavity.
Prepare the paste in a small bowl. Use everything except for ¼ teaspoon of the salt and the lemon. Combine all ingredients and create your paste and set aside.
Use the ¼ teaspoon of reserved salt to season the cavity of the hen. Coat the hen with the herb seasoning all around and stuff each cavity with the lemon pieces. Tie the legs with kitchen twine.
Let the hen rest for 30 minutes or up to overnight, uncovered in the refrigerator.
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil and set the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry 380°F degrees for 20 minutes. Flip the hens over carefully and cook for another 20 minutes.
Let them stand 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

Nutrition is based on half the bird with the skin removed after. It will increase with the skin on.

If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can make 2 at the same time by doubling the recipe.

No Air Fryer? No Problem

Bake the Cornish game hen at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 hen, skin removed, Calories: 434.5kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 68.5g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Cholesterol: 309.5mg, Sodium: 653mg, Fiber: 1.5g, Sugar: 0.5g

- WW Points: 1

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