If you’re a foodie, you may have heard about the latest kitchen gadget that’s been taking the culinary world by storm: the air fryer. This appliance is perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods without the added calories and health risks associated with deep-frying. And what’s even better? You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, including Cornish hens!

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook Cornish hens in an air fryer, step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from preparing the hens to serving them up on a platter. So, grab your air fryer, put on your chef’s hat, and let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Cornish Hens

Before you start cooking, you need to prepare your Cornish hens properly. The first step is to clean the hens thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, you’ll need to season the hens. You can use any seasoning of your choice, but we recommend a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning generously all over the hens, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.

Once your hens are seasoned, it’s time to truss them. Trussing helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the hens’ legs from getting burnt. To truss the hens, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the hens’ bodies.

Your Cornish hens are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Preparing the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, you need to prepare your air fryer properly. The first step is to preheat the air fryer. This is essential to ensure that your Cornish hens cook evenly and thoroughly. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5-10 minutes.

Next, you’ll need to choose the appropriate accessories. Most air fryers come with a basket and a rack. For Cornish hens, we recommend using the rack, as it allows for better air circulation and prevents the hens from getting soggy.

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate accessories, it’s time to adjust the temperature and time settings. For Cornish hens, we recommend cooking them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your hens and the wattage of your air fryer.

Preparing the Air Fryer

Now that your Cornish hens are prepared, it’s time to prepare the air fryer. This is an essential step to ensure that your hens cook evenly and thoroughly.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature of 375°F. Preheating your air fryer is crucial because it allows your hens to cook evenly and reduces the overall cooking time. Preheating typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer.

Once your air fryer is preheated, choose the appropriate accessories for cooking your Cornish hens. Most air fryers come with a basket and a rack. For Cornish hens, we recommend using the rack, as it allows for better air circulation and prevents the hens from getting soggy.

After choosing the appropriate accessories, adjust the temperature and time settings. For Cornish hens, we recommend cooking them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your hens and the wattage of your air fryer.

Cooking the Cornish Hens

Now that your air fryer is ready, it’s time to cook your Cornish hens! Here’s how:

1. Place the Cornish hens on the rack in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other and have enough space to cook evenly.

2. Cook the hens for 15 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 10-15 minutes on the other side. Flipping the hens halfway through ensures that they cook evenly on both sides.

3. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the hens. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the hens are not yet fully cooked, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until they reach the proper temperature.

4. Once the hens are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavorful meat.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked Cornish hens in an air fryer. Serve them up with your favorite sides and garnishes, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.