12 Crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hens Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Cornish hens cook fast in an air fryer. They turn crispy outside and juicy inside. This blog shares 12 recipes for Cornish hens. Each recipe offers unique flavors.

You can pick simple spices or bold marinades. Air fryers make preparation easy. These recipes suit weeknight dinners or special meals. Ingredients stay basic, and steps stay clear.

You get tasty results without extra work. Readers enjoy variety here. Some recipes use herbs. Others add citrus or heat. All deliver satisfaction. Try one recipe or mix them up.

Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Cornish Hens

About

Lemon garlic Cornish hens bring bright flavor. The lemon adds a fresh taste. Garlic gives a strong kick. This recipe keeps things simple. You rub the hens with a mix of oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The air fryer crisps the skin fast. It locks in the juices. This dish fits a quick dinner. It also works for guests. The smell fills your kitchen with zest. Pair it with roasted veggies or rice. You get a light yet filling meal. Everyone enjoys this easy recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat Cornish hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano in a bowl.
4. Rub mixture over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
8. Remove hens from air fryer.
9. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
10. Serve hot with lemon slices.

---

Recipe 2: Spicy Cajun Cornish Hens

About

Spicy Cajun Cornish hens pack bold heat. The seasoning blend wakes up your taste buds. This recipe uses a dry rub. You coat the hens and let them sit. The air fryer crisps the skin perfectly. Inside stays tender. It suits spice lovers. Serve it with coleslaw or fries. The flavor hits hard but feels balanced. You can tweak the spice level. This dish turns a basic meal into something fun. Prep stays quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.
4. Rub olive oil over hens.
5. Coat hens with seasoning mix evenly.
6. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side down.
7. Cook for 15 minutes.
8. Flip hens to breast side up.
9. Cook for 15 more minutes.
10. Ensure internal temperature hits 165°F.
11. Let hens rest for 5 minutes.
12. Serve with a cool side dish.

---

Recipe 3: Honey Soy Cornish Hens

About

Honey soy Cornish hens blend sweet and savory. The honey glaze shines on crispy skin. Soy sauce adds depth. This recipe feels sticky and delicious. You brush the hens with a quick marinade. The air fryer finishes it fast. It fits a cozy dinner. Kids and adults like it. Pair it with steamed rice or greens. The taste lingers in a good way. Prep takes little time.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Brush mixture over hens fully.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Baste with extra marinade halfway through.
8. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Remove hens and rest for 5 minutes.
10. Serve with a simple side.

---

Recipe 4: Herb Butter Cornish Hens

About

Herb butter Cornish hens smell amazing. The butter keeps them moist. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add flavor. This recipe stays rich but light. You spread the butter mix under the skin. The air fryer crisps everything up. It fits a fancy meal or Sunday lunch. Serve with potatoes or salad. Guests love the taste. It’s simple to make.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub butter mix under hen skin and over top.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature hits 165°F.
8. Remove hens and rest for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a warm side.

---

Recipe 5: BBQ Cornish Hens

About

BBQ Cornish hens bring smoky flavor indoors. The sauce coats the skin well. You get that grill taste without a grill. This recipe uses store-bought BBQ sauce. The air fryer makes it crispy. It suits a casual meal. Pair it with corn or beans. Kids enjoy the sticky goodness. Prep stays fast and fun.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
4. Brush sauce over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Brush extra sauce on at 15 minutes.
8. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
10. Serve with a hearty side.

---

Recipe 6: Orange Ginger Cornish Hens

About

Orange ginger Cornish hens taste fresh and zesty. The orange juice adds sweetness. Ginger brings a warm bite. This recipe keeps flavors bright. You marinate the hens briefly. The air fryer crisps them up fast. It fits a lively dinner. Serve with rice or noodles. The combo feels exciting. Prep stays simple.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix orange juice, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Coat hens with mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature hits 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a light side.

---

Recipe 7: Italian Seasoned Cornish Hens

About

Italian seasoned Cornish hens taste like a classic. The herbs bring out savory notes. This recipe uses a dry rub. You coat the hens and cook them fast. The air fryer keeps the skin crisp. It fits a family meal. Serve with pasta or bread. The flavor feels warm and familiar. Prep takes little effort.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub mixture over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with an Italian side.

---

Recipe 8: Maple Dijon Cornish Hens

About

Maple Dijon Cornish hens mix sweet and tangy. The maple syrup glazes the skin. Dijon mustard adds a sharp edge. This recipe balances flavors well. You brush the hens and cook them fast. The air fryer crisps everything up. It suits a fall dinner. Serve with roasted roots or rice. Prep stays easy.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Brush mixture over hens fully.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature hits 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a cozy side.

---

Recipe 9: Chili Lime Cornish Hens

About

Chili lime Cornish hens bring heat and zest. The chili powder spices things up. Lime juice keeps it fresh. This recipe uses a quick rub. The air fryer crisps the skin fast. It fits a bold meal. Serve with tortillas or salad. The taste pops with every bite. Prep stays simple.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix chili powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub mixture over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a zesty side.

---

Recipe 10: Garlic Parmesan Cornish Hens

About

Garlic Parmesan Cornish hens taste rich and cheesy. The garlic adds punch. Parmesan coats the skin well. This recipe keeps things savory. You rub the hens with a mix. The air fryer crisps it up fast. It fits a hearty meal. Serve with mashed potatoes or greens. Everyone loves the flavor. Prep stays quick.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub mixture over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature hits 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a filling side.

---

Recipe 11: Rosemary Lemon Cornish Hens

About

Rosemary lemon Cornish hens smell fresh and earthy. The rosemary adds a piney taste. Lemon keeps it light. This recipe uses a simple rub. The air fryer crisps the skin well. It fits a bright dinner. Serve with couscous or veggies. The flavor feels clean and tasty. Prep takes little time.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub mixture over hens evenly.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with a fresh side.

---

Recipe 12: Teriyaki Cornish Hens

About

Teriyaki Cornish hens taste sweet and salty. The sauce glazes the skin nicely. You get an Asian-inspired meal fast. This recipe uses a quick marinade. The air fryer crisps everything up. It fits a fun dinner. Serve with rice or stir-fry veggies. The flavor satisfies every time. Prep stays easy.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1-1.5 lbs each)
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
2. Pat hens dry with paper towels.
3. Mix teriyaki sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Brush mixture over hens fully.
5. Place hens in air fryer basket, breast side up.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
7. Baste with extra sauce halfway through.
8. Check temperature hits 165°F.
9. Rest hens for 5 minutes.
10. Serve with an Asian side.