{"id":39469,"date":"2025-08-15T17:33:23","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:33:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/air-fryer-cornish-hen-skinnytaste\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T17:33:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:33:23","slug":"air-fryer-cornish-hen-skinnytaste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/air-fryer-cornish-hen-skinnytaste\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Fryer Cornish Hen &#8211; Skinnytaste"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-ast-blocks-layout=\"true\">\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-12-170x255.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-12.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Cornish Hen in Air Fryer\" data-pin-description=\"This Air Fryer Cornish Hen comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted with lemon, fresh herbs and spices, it\u2019s packed with flavor easy to make for dinner any night of the week. #dinner\" alt=\"Cornish Hen in Air Fryer\" class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner  dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-single\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span id=\"dpsp-post-content-markup\" data-image-pin-it=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"content-disclaimer-text disclaimer-location-top\">This post may contain affiliate links. Read my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/legal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">disclosure policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<p>Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners\u2014easy to prep, full of flavor, and no oven required.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-pin-description=\"This Air Fryer Cornish Hen comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted with lemon, fresh herbs and spices, it\u2019s packed with flavor easy to make for dinner any night of the week. #dinner #a\" data-pin-title=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hens\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21.jpg\" alt=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hens\" class=\"wp-image-150228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-21-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Cornish Hen in the Air Fryer<\/h2>\n<p>This <strong>Air Fryer Cornish Hen<\/strong> recipe makes it easy to enjoy a perfectly roasted bird\u2014juicy inside, crispy outside, and done in under an hour. My <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/air-fryer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">air fryer recipes<\/a> are consistently popular, which I get because it\u2019s such a time saver in the kitchen for busy weeknights! I created this recipe for two but if you have a larger air fryer basket (mine is 8 quarts) <strong>you can easily fit two hens<\/strong> in it for four people! The hens are seasoned with simple herbs and spices, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even date nights, without heating up the kitchen. I serve this with a simple salad, like my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/panzanella\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">panzanella salad<\/a> to make it a meal. If you can\u2019t find Cornish hens, try my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/air-fryer-whole-chicken\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">Buttermilk Air Fryer Whole Chicken<\/a> or my classic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/roast-chicken-with-rosemary-and-lemon\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">Whole Roasted Chicken<\/a> (made in the oven).<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"more-147373\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"callout-box-block_182ce9cf254923006942081f4cc8cde6\" class=\"callout-box-block callout-box-style-1\">\n<p><h2 class=\"callout-box-title\"><span class=\"callout-box-icon webicon-bookmark\"\/> Ingredients You\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-box-content\">\n<p>Besides the Cornish hen, the other ingredients are all pantry staples. <strong>See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-150239 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cornish Hen with ingredients\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-description=\"Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays\u2014easy to prep, full of flavor, and no oven required.\" data-pin-title=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hens\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-1-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cornish Game Hens<\/strong> are a nice alternative to a whole chicken if you\u2019re only cooking for one or two people.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Olive Oil<\/strong> is used to create a rub for the chicken, which adds moisture and flavor.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Herbs:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> Chop fresh thyme and rosemary. You can also use dried herbs or a <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">mix, such as Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Seasoning:<\/strong> Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper. You <span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">can use any seasoning you like, such as paprika or poultry seasoning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Lemon:<\/strong> Stuff the hen with lemon wedges to infuse it with citrus flavor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Air Fry a Cornish Hen<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re hen is frozen, thaw it for 24 to 36 hours in the refrigerator. If you\u2019re short on time, let it sit in cold water until thawed, changing out the water every 30 minutes. <strong>See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" data-id=\"150237\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-550x825.jpg\" alt=\"Make herb rub\" class=\"wp-image-150237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Make the herb mixture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" data-id=\"150240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-550x825.jpg\" alt=\"season the cornish hen\" class=\"wp-image-150240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rub all over hens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" data-id=\"150236\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-550x825.jpg\" alt=\"Cornish Hen in Air fryer\" class=\"wp-image-150236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Place cornish hens in air fryer and roast unril golden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prep the Cornish Hen: <\/strong>Pat the outside of the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy. To dry the inside, stand the bird up on a baking sheet so the liquid drains from the cavity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make the Rub:<\/strong> Combine the olive oil, half of the salt, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Season the Hen:<\/strong> Rub the paste all over and put the lemons inside. Tie the legs with kitchen twine to make it easier to get the hen in the air fryer (optional). Let the chicken rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate uncovered overnight. The longer you leave it, the more flavor it will develop.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How Long to Air Fry a Cornish Hen:<\/strong> Spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment and put the chicken inside. Air fry at 380\u00b0F for 20 minutes on each side*<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rest: <\/strong>Remove the hen from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting, which will prevent the juices from running out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>*Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring you don\u2019t touch the bones. When it reads 165\u00b0F, it\u2019s safe to eat.<\/p>\n<div id=\"callout-box-block_8494b52a94634c51a2dc12b1d29c9e8c\" class=\"callout-box-block callout-box-style-1\">\n<p><h2 class=\"callout-box-title\"><span class=\"callout-box-icon webicon-asterisk\"\/> No air fryer? No problem!<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-box-content\">\n<p>Bake the Cornish game hen at 425\u00b0F for 50 to 60 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-description=\"This Air Fryer Cornish Hen comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Roasted with lemon, fresh herbs and spices, it\u2019s packed with flavor easy to make for dinner any night of the week. #dinner #a\" data-pin-title=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hens\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14.jpg\" alt=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hens\" class=\"wp-image-150233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-14-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Is a Cornish hen just a small chicken?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, Cornish hens, also known as Cornish game hens, are small, young hybrid chickens that weigh less than 2 pounds. They\u2019re also leaner than regular chickens. Their smaller size makes them ideal for air frying, but if you have a larger basket (approximately 8 quarts), you can fit 2 at a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Serve with Air Fryer Cornish Hen<\/h2>\n<p>Roasted chicken is a classic. Here are some of my favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/side-dishes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">side dishes<\/a> that would be delicious with it:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storage<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Refrigerate<\/strong> the Cornish game hen for up to 4 days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Freezer: <\/strong>Remove the chicken from the bones and freeze it in an airtight container for 3 months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How to Reheat:<\/strong> Thaw the chicken in the fridge, and eat it cold or microwave it until warm. It\u2019d be great added to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/salad\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">salads<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/soup\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">soups<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/greek-chicken-meal-prep-rice-bowls\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">grain bowls<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meal Prep Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re air fryer is larger, double the recipe and cook 2 hens at the same time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bonus Tip:<\/strong> Save the carcass and use it to make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/turkey-stock-for-gravy\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">homemade chicken stock<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" data-pin-description=\"Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays\u2014easy to prep, full of flavor, and no oven required.\" data-pin-title=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hen\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13.jpg\" alt=\"Air Fryer Cornish Hen on a platter\" class=\"wp-image-150231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-550x825.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-170x255.jpg 170w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-260x390.jpg 260w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Fryer-Cornish-Hens-13-150x225.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You\u2019ll Love<\/h2>\n<p>For more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/dinner-recipes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">dinner ideas<\/a>, check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/main-ingredient\/chicken-recipes\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">Chicken Recipes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/recipes\/air-fryer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">Air Fryer Recipes<\/a> collections, plus these <strong>five delicious air fryer chicken<\/strong> recipes to inspire your next meal!<\/p>\n<div id=\"subscribe_block\" class=\"insert-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kwgPzE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1471\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner.png 1471w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner-500x154.png 500w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner-550x169.png 550w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner-600x184.png 600w, https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/skinnytaste-high-protein-preorder-banner-150x46.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1471px) 100vw, 1471px\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"wprm-recipe-container-147382\" class=\"wprm-recipe-container\" data-recipe-id=\"147382\" data-servings=\"2\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe wprm-recipe-template-skinnytaste-card\"> <!-- end .wprm-header-wrap --><\/p>\n<div class=\"wprm-cooktimes-wrap\">\n    <span class=\"webicon-clock\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-meta-container wprm-recipe-times-container wprm-recipe-details-container wprm-recipe-details-container-separate wprm-block-text-bold\" style=\"\">\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-time-label wprm-recipe-prep-time-label\">Prep: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-time wprm-block-text-bold\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-prep_time wprm-recipe-prep_time-minutes\">20<span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\"> minutes<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-prep_time-unit wprm-recipe-prep_timeunit-minutes\" aria-hidden=\"true\">mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-time-label wprm-recipe-cook-time-label\">Cook: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-time wprm-block-text-bold\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-cook_time wprm-recipe-cook_time-minutes\">40<span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\"> minutes<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-cook_time-unit wprm-recipe-cook_timeunit-minutes\" aria-hidden=\"true\">mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-time-label wprm-recipe-custom-time-label\">refrigeration and resting time: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-time wprm-block-text-bold\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-custom_time wprm-recipe-custom_time-minutes\">40<span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\"> minutes<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-custom_time-unit wprm-recipe-custom_timeunit-minutes\" aria-hidden=\"true\">mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-time-label wprm-recipe-total-time-label\">Total: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-time wprm-block-text-bold\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-details-hours wprm-recipe-total_time wprm-recipe-total_time-hours\">1<span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\"> hour<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-details-unit-hours wprm-recipe-total_time-unit wprm-recipe-total_timeunit-hours\" aria-hidden=\"true\">hr<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-total_time wprm-recipe-total_time-minutes\">40<span class=\"sr-only screen-reader-text wprm-screen-reader-text\"> minutes<\/span><\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-details-minutes wprm-recipe-total_time-unit wprm-recipe-total_timeunit-minutes\" aria-hidden=\"true\">mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-servings-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-servings-text\">\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-servings-label\">Yield: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-servings-with-unit\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-servings wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-servings-147382 wprm-recipe-servings-adjustable-text-buttons wprm-block-text-normal\" data-recipe=\"147382\" aria-label=\"Adjust recipe servings\" data-button-background=\"#333333\" data-button-accent=\"#ffffff\" data-button-radius=\"3px\">2<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-servings-unit wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-block-text-normal\">servings<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-label wprm-block-text-bold wprm-recipe-nutrition-label wprm-recipe-serving_size-label\">Serving Size: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-recipe-nutrition-with-unit\"><span class=\"wprm-recipe-details wprm-recipe-nutrition wprm-recipe-serving_size wprm-block-text-normal\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-recipe-details-unit wprm-recipe-nutrition-unit wprm-recipe-serving_size-unit wprm-block-text-normal\">\/2 hen, skin removed<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><label id=\"wprm-toggle-switch-4231770131\" class=\"wprm-toggle-switch wprm-toggle-switch-rounded wprm-toggle-switch-outside\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"wprm-prevent-sleep-checkbox-4231770131\" class=\"wprm-prevent-sleep-checkbox\"\/><span class=\"wprm-toggle-switch-slider\" style=\"--switch-height: 20px;--switch-on-color: #0c8a18;\"\/><span class=\"wprm-toggle-switch-label wprm-prevent-sleep-label wprm-block-text-bold\">Cook Mode<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div id=\"recipe-147382-instructions\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-147382-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal\" data-recipe=\"147382\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<ul class=\"wprm-advanced-list wprm-advanced-list-reset wprm-advanced-list-5527 wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p>Dry off your cornish hen with paper towels.\u00a0 Make sure the hen is dry, including the inside. It helps to prop them up initially so the liquid drains from the cavity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Prepare the paste in a small bowl.\u00a0 Use everything except for \u00bc teaspoon of the salt and the lemon. Combine all ingredients and create your paste and set aside.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-2\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Use the \u00bc teaspoon of reserved salt to season the cavity of the hen.\u00a0Coat the hen with the herb seasoning all around and stuff each cavity with the lemon pieces. Tie the legs with kitchen twine. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-3\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Let the hen rest for 30 minutes or up to overnight, uncovered in the refrigerator.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-4\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil and set the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry 380\u00b0F degrees for 20 minutes. Flip the hens over carefully and cook for another 20 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-147382-step-0-5\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<p>Let them stand 10 minutes before carving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-last-step\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-last-step-content\">\n<h4>Last Step:<\/h4>\n<p> Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/air-fryer-cornish-hen\/#llc_comments\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"follow noopener\">leave a rating and comment<\/a> letting us know how you liked this recipe!  This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"recipe-147382-notes\" class=\"wprm-recipe-notes-container wprm-block-text-normal\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-notes\"><span style=\"display: block;\">Nutrition is based on half the bird with the skin removed after. It will increase with the skin on.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"display: block;\">If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can make 2 at the same time by doubling the recipe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>No Air Fryer? No Problem<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Bake the Cornish game hen at 425\u00b0F for 50 to 60 minutes.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"recipe-147382-nutrition\" class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-shortcode-container\">\n<p><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-serving_size\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Serving: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">1<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">\/2 hen, skin removed<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-calories\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Calories: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">434.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">kcal<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-carbohydrates\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Carbohydrates: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">4<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-protein\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Protein: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">68.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-fat\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">15<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-saturated_fat\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Saturated Fat: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">3.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-cholesterol\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Cholesterol: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">309.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-sodium\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Sodium: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">653<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">mg<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-fiber\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Fiber: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">1.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-container-sugar\"><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-label  wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"color: #333333\">Sugar: <\/span><span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-value\" style=\"color: #333333\">0.5<\/span> <span class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-text-nutrition-unit\" style=\"color: #333333\">g<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skinnytaste.com\/air-fryer-cornish-hen\/?adt_ei=*%7CEMAIL%7C*\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen in under an hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners\u2014easy to prep, full of flavor, and&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1024],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39469"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39469\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo4.dedicatedhost247.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}