Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Cornish Hens are an easy, exciting main dish. These delicious tiny chickens are cooked to perfection in the air fryer with juicy meat and crispy skin. Serve them halved or whole as an easy main dish on weeknights or when entertaining company.
Servings: 4
Calories: 350kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cornish hens fully thawed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- olive oil spray
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 small lemon rinsed and sliced
- ½ small yellow onion peeled and halved or quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary cut in half
- 4 large sage leaves
Instructions
- Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels (outside and inside the cavity). Mix the salt and pepper together, season the inside of the hens with a liberal amount of the salt and pepper mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Divide the stuffing ingredients (lemon slices, onion wedges and herbs). Insert the stuffing into each hen's cavity.
- Lightly spray the outside of the hens with olive oil spray. Combine the poultry seasoning with the salt and pepper.Rub the mixture into the outside of the hens.
- Place the hens in the preheated air fryer basket BREAST SIDE DOWN. Cook for 20 minutes at 380 degrees F.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, flip the hens over (use tongs for easiest method) to cook BREAST SIDE UP for 10 mintues at 380 degrees F. When cooking it complete check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the hen (usually the breast) to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove the Cornish hens from the air fryer basket (again tongs work great) and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the stuffing ingredients. Halve the hens (or serve whole for a large serving) and serve.
Notes
Weight Watchers Points note
When using the WW app the easiest way to calculate the points is based on the amount in weight of the Cornish hen eaten (as with other meats).
The links provided will allow you to enter the amount to track. Because every hen is a slightly different size and the portion eaten isn't fixed, this will be the most accurate way to track your points (if any).
The link above includes eating the skin. Use this link if removing the cooked skin from the Cornish hen before eating it. The difference is significant.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg