How Long to Cook Two Cornish Hens in Air Fryer?

Cornish Hens are a delicious way to enjoy chicken at home. They are usually cooked with butter or oil, but they taste great without added fat. These birds are typically roasted whole, then served with vegetables and gravy.

If you want to try cooking these tasty little birds, you may wonder how long it takes to roast or bake them. The answer depends on how much time you have before dinner and the size of the hen. It usually takes 25 to 30 minutes to make the perfect two cornish hens in the air fryer. However, the timing depends on many factors. Dig into and learn more about this matter.

Step by Step Guide

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. One of the many dishes you can prepare using this innovative appliance is Cornish hen. These small chickens are perfect for individual servings and are known for their tender, juicy meat when cooked properly. This article will guide you through the process of cooking two Cornish hens in an air fryer.

Ingredients 

1. Two Cornish hens
2. Olive oil or cooking spray
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. Your choice of herbs and spices (such as thyme, rosemary, garlic powder)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Hens

Start by thawing your Cornish hens if they're frozen; this can be done overnight in your refrigerator or under cold water for a few hours before cooking time.
Once thawed, rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels both inside and out.

Step 2: Seasoning

Rub olive oil all over each hen's skin; this helps crisp up the skin during cooking while keeping it moist inside.Next, season generously with salt and pepper both inside and out according to your preference.

For added flavor, sprinkle your chosen herbs or spices over each hen evenly; rubbing some under the skin will also enhance taste further.

Step 3: Preheating Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for about five minutes before placing your hens in it; this ensures even cooking throughout each bird.

Step 4: Cooking The Hens

Place one hen into the air fryer basket breast side down first since these parts take longer to cook than others due to their thickness.
 
Cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes, then flip the hen over and cook for another 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Repeat this process with your second Cornish hen.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

Once both hens are cooked, let them rest for about ten minutes before serving; this allows juices to redistribute throughout each bird, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.

Serve your air-fried Cornish hens whole or cut into halves alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

What Temperature Should I Put My Air Fryer in for Preheating?

Air frying chicken is best done at 375 degrees F. Air fryers use convection heat, so there is no need to set them as high as you would an oven (a regular oven requires a temperature of about 425 degrees F to bake chicken, such as the Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast that we made).

During the roasting process, the hens should be removed from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F. You should loosely tent the hens with foil before removing them from the oven and letting them rest for 10 minutes before carving or serving. Remove the hens once their internal temperature measures between 170- and 180-degrees Fahrenheit to avoid overcooking. If the meat feels soft and tender then its ready to go in your tummy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Cook Two Cornish Hens in the Air Fryer?

Cooking times vary based on the size of your chicken. For example, one small chicken only needs 15 minutes to cook completely. Another medium-sized bird can take up to 40 minutes to finish. A larger bird would need around 50 minutes to cook through. You must remember that the smaller the bird, the less time it will require to cook.

What If the hens are not large enough?

Suppose these Cornish game hens are not large enough to feed. In that case, they should be fully cooked after about 25 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When the skin of the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear, you will know that they are cooked. However, check the chicken's interior temperature before serving to ensure it is safe to eat.

At What Temperature Should Cornish Hens be Cooked?

The cornish hen should be cooked at 400°F for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the bird. If you want to check the temperature of the interior of the compartment, you can use an instant-read thermometer. After it has been fully cooked, the temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This process will prevent food poisoning from happening.

Can you Put a Frozen Cornish Hen in an Air Fryer?

Of course, you can. No problem at all. Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the bird is cooked for 20 minutes before removing it from the oven and coating it with oil and seasoning. Then place it back into the oven until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool before eating.

Conclusion

An air fryer is a great tool for easily preparing delicious dishes like Cornish game hens. Cooking time varies based on the size of the chicken. For instance, one small chicken only requires 15 minutes to cook completely. In contrast, another medium-sized bird can go up to 40 minutes. So, why lose the chance to enjoy this delicious meal at home? Start making it right now.