11 Flavorful Cornish Hen Recipes Air Fryer to Spice Up Your Meals

Cornish hens taste great and cook fast in an air fryer. These small birds bring big flavor to your table. This blog shares 11 easy recipes for Cornish hens using an air fryer.

Each dish adds a unique twist to your meals. You can enjoy juicy meat with crispy skin every time. The air fryer saves time and keeps cleanup simple.

Whether you like spicy, sweet, or savory, these recipes offer something for everyone. Get ready to try new flavors and impress your family or friends. Let’s start cooking delicious Cornish hen meals today!

Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Cornish Hen

About

Lemon Garlic Cornish Hen delivers a fresh and tangy taste. The bright lemon pairs well with bold garlic. This recipe keeps the meat juicy and the skin golden. It suits a quick dinner or a weekend treat. Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare. The air fryer locks in flavor while cutting cook time. You’ll love the zesty aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture over the hen, covering all sides.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it rest for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with extra lemon wedges.

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Recipe 2: Spicy Cajun Cornish Hen

About

Spicy Cajun Cornish Hen brings heat and bold seasoning. The Cajun spices create a smoky, fiery kick. This dish excites your taste buds with every bite. It’s perfect for spice lovers wanting a quick meal. The air fryer crisps the skin while keeping the inside tender. Pair it with rice or veggies for a full plate.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Cornish hen with paper towels.
2. Combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a bowl.
3. Coat the hen with the spice mix evenly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 370°F.
6. Cook for 20 minutes.
7. Turn the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.
10. Take the hen out and rest it for 5 minutes.
11. Cut and serve with a cool dipping sauce.

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Recipe 3: Honey Soy Cornish Hen

About

Honey Soy Cornish Hen blends sweet and savory flavors. The honey adds a sticky glaze, while soy sauce brings depth. This recipe offers a fun twist on classic tastes. It works well for a family dinner or a special night. The air fryer gives it a crisp finish in less time.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wipe the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over the hen thoroughly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it sit for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with steamed rice.

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Recipe 4: Herb Butter Cornish Hen

About

Herb Butter Cornish Hen offers a rich and earthy flavor. The butter melts into the meat, keeping it moist. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme shine through. This recipe feels cozy and satisfying. It’s great for a quiet night in. The air fryer ensures a crunchy skin every time.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 garlic clove (minced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Cornish hen with paper towels.
2. Mix butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Spread the butter mix over the hen, including under the skin.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Turn the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Take the hen out and rest it for 5 minutes.
11. Cut and serve with roasted potatoes.

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Recipe 5: BBQ Glazed Cornish Hen

About

BBQ Glazed Cornish Hen delivers smoky and sweet vibes. The sauce coats the bird for a sticky finish. This recipe mimics a grill taste without the mess. It’s ideal for a casual meal with friends. The air fryer locks in the BBQ flavor fast.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, paprika, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture over the hen evenly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 370°F.
6. Cook for 20 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it rest for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with coleslaw.

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Recipe 6: Orange Rosemary Cornish Hen

About

Orange Rosemary Cornish Hen mixes citrus and herb notes. The orange juice tenderizes the meat, while rosemary adds warmth. This dish feels light yet flavorful. It’s perfect for a sunny day meal. The air fryer keeps it simple and quick.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 orange (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Cornish hen with paper towels.
2. Combine olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat the hen with the mixture fully.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Turn the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Take the hen out and rest it for 5 minutes.
11. Cut and serve with a green salad.

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Recipe 7: Chili Lime Cornish Hen

About

Chili Lime Cornish Hen packs a zesty punch. The chili brings heat, while lime keeps it fresh. This recipe wakes up your senses with bold taste. It’s great for a lively dinner. The air fryer crisps the skin perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lime (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wipe the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, salt, and cumin in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture over the hen completely.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 370°F.
6. Cook for 20 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it sit for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with tortillas.

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Recipe 8: Garlic Parmesan Cornish Hen

About

Garlic Parmesan Cornish Hen offers cheesy comfort. The garlic adds depth, and Parmesan creates a crispy top. This recipe feels hearty and satisfying. It’s ideal for a cozy night in. The air fryer makes it quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Cornish hen with paper towels.
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread the mixture over the hen evenly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Turn the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.
10. Take the hen out and rest it for 5 minutes.
11. Cut and serve with mashed potatoes.

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Recipe 9: Maple Dijon Cornish Hen

About

Maple Dijon Cornish Hen mixes sweet and tangy flavors. The maple syrup glazes the bird, while Dijon adds a sharp bite. This recipe feels warm and unique. It’s perfect for a fall dinner. The air fryer keeps it juicy and crisp.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 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. Pat the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over the hen thoroughly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it rest for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with roasted carrots.

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Recipe 10: Teriyaki Cornish Hen

About

Teriyaki Cornish Hen brings a sweet and salty punch. The teriyaki sauce soaks into the meat for bold flavor. This recipe feels fun and tasty. It’s great for a quick weeknight meal. The air fryer gives it a nice glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Cornish hen with paper towels.
2. Mix teriyaki sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and ginger in a bowl.
3. Coat the hen with the mixture evenly.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 370°F.
6. Cook for 20 minutes.
7. Turn the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10. Take the hen out and rest it for 5 minutes.
11. Cut and serve with fried rice.

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Recipe 11: Smoky Paprika Cornish Hen

About

Smoky Paprika Cornish Hen offers a deep, smoky taste. The paprika seasons the meat with a warm hue. This recipe feels bold and simple. It’s perfect for a hearty meal. The air fryer crisps the skin to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wipe the Cornish hen dry with paper towels.
2. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture over the hen fully.
4. Place the hen in the air fryer basket, breast side up.
5. Set the air fryer to 360°F.
6. Cook for 25 minutes.
7. Flip the hen breast side down.
8. Cook for 15 more minutes.
9. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F.
10. Remove the hen and let it sit for 5 minutes.
11. Slice and serve with grilled veggies.