Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Name: Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cornish hen (around 2 pounds each); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary (dried); 1/2 teaspoon basil (dried); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

By Arman Liewupdated on Aug 17, 2025

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Total Time 40

Servings 4 servings

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My air fryer cornish hen recipe gives you tender, juicy meat encrusted with perfectly seasoned crispy skin in less than 40 minutes.

While I typically like to make an air fryer whole chicken for my family, to change things up, this air fryer cornish hen comes in a clutch. I love it because it’s much faster and easier than roasting it in the oven (although roasted hens are pretty epic, too). If you are worried about the texture of the Cornish hen, don’t fret – it’s just as juicy and crispy as you’d expect.

The trick to a perfectly cooked Cornish hen in the air fryer is the right balance of spices and fat to replicate that oven-roasted finish. Because hot air circulates rapidly, just one tablespoon of oil helps it crisp up beautifully and cook evenly on all sides. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a midweek dinner as it does for an elegant date night.

What are Cornish game hens?

Cornish hens look and taste very similar to regular chicken, but are smaller and yield more tender and flavorful meat. Because of their size, they make a great option for a dinner for two or three people. If I’m making this for myself and my partner, it’s the perfect size for cooking. I mean, essentially, they are mini rotisserie chickens. Saying that, if it’s the whole family I’m serving, two with sides is plenty.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients
How to cook a Cornish hen in the air fryer
Arman’s recipe tips
Frequently asked questions
Storage instructions
More air fryer dinner recipes
Air Fryer Cornish Hen (Recipe Card)

Key Ingredients

ingredients to make air fryer cornish hens.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

Cornish hen. Use a Cornish hen that’s small enough to fit in your air fryer basket. I like Tyson hens because they are all around two pounds each, which is ideal for any standard air fryer basket. Pick up as many as you need so everyone gets their hen!
Ground spices. Garlic powder and onion powder provide an aromatic, savory flavor, while paprika adds a touch of warmth and smokiness. Also, don’t forget salt and pepper.
Dried herbs. I used dried rosemary, thyme, and dried basil leaves, but oregano, parsley, and sage also taste great on poultry. Fresh herbs can also be used if you prefer.
Olive oil. Only a small amount of oil is needed to coat the skin and help it cook to golden brown and crispy perfection.

Recipe variations

Change the dry rub: Pat the hen dry with paper towels before seasoning it with blackened seasoning, Cajun spice rub, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, or poultry seasoning.
Use a marinade: Let the hen soak for 1 to 4 hours or overnight in teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, 4-ingredient chicken marinade, or hot honey sauce.

How to cook a Cornish hen in the air fryer

Step 1- Make the spice blend: Combine the spices and herbs in a small bowl.

Step 2- Season: Pat the Cornish hen dry, rub it with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then, rub the spice mix all over.

seasoned raw cornish hen in the air fryer.

Step 3- Air fry: Place the bird in the air fryer basket and cook until it’s golden brown.

Step 4- Rest before slicing and serving.

Arman’s recipe tips

Pat dry before seasoning: I always blot the Cornish hens completely dry first. Dry skin helps the oil and seasoning stick evenly, and it makes the bird turn out much crispier in the air fryer.
Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best tool to use if you’re unsure if the bird is cooked through or not. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the hen as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready to come out of the air fryer when the internal temperature is 160ºF (I’m taking into account the resting time).
Tuck the wings under the hen: Just like with a whole chicken, Cornish hen wings cook faster since they don’t have much meat. Folding them underneath prevents drying out and helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
Let it rest: Let the Cornish hen rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes after air frying. This gives those wonderful meaty juices time to settle, giving you the most moist and tender meat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a frozen Cornish hen?

Yes, I’ve tested this recipe both from frozen and thawed. While it can be cooked from frozen, I always recommend thawing the bird first. A thawed hen cooks more evenly, stays juicier, and gets that perfect golden crisp without risking undercooked spots near the bone.

Should you brine a Cornish hen before cooking?

Not necessarily! I tested this recipe both with and without a brine, and the juiciness of the meat was incomparable. The addition of oil beforehand guarantees the bird remains juicy throughout.

Should cornish hens be rinsed before cooking?

No, I don’t rinse Cornish hens (or any poultry) before cooking. Instead, I just pat them dry with paper towels, which keeps the kitchen safe from bacteria and helps the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Do I need to flip the hen halfway through?

No, you don’t. In testing, I found flipping the Cornish hen during the cooking process didn’t impact the flavor, texture, or crispiness of the bird.

Storage instructions

To store: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Once the Cornish hen has cooled to room temperature, place it in a large ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat: Heat the leftover Cornish hen in a 360ºF air fryer until the skin is crispy again and the meat is heated through.

More air fryer dinner recipes