25 Delicious Air Fryer Cornish Hens Recipes for Every Occasion

Just imagine serving up perfectly golden, juicy Cornish hens with crispy skin—all ready in a fraction of the time thanks to your air fryer! Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, these recipes bring delicious ease to every occasion. Get ready to discover 25 mouthwatering ways to enjoy this tender favorite—your next standout meal is just a scroll away.

Lemon Herb Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Very few dishes deliver such impressive results with minimal effort as these Lemon Herb Air Fryer Cornish Hens. Perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress, this recipe walks you through creating tender, flavorful hens with crispy skin using your air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), pat dry with paper towels
– 2 tbsp olive oil, or any neutral oil
– 1 lemon, sliced into 8 thin rounds
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
– ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over each hen, covering all surfaces.
4. Season the hens inside and out with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Place 2 lemon slices and 1 sprig each of rosemary and thyme inside the cavity of each hen.
6. Arrange the remaining lemon slices and herbs on top of the hens.
7. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down.
9. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
10. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh – it should read 165°F.
11. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
12. Carve and serve immediately. Perfectly cooked Cornish hens feature incredibly crispy skin that shatters with each bite while the meat remains remarkably juicy and tender. The lemon and herbs infuse every morsel with bright, aromatic flavors that pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Cornish Hens

You’ll love how this garlic butter air fryer Cornish hen turns out—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, all with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, and the air fryer ensures crispy skin without the fuss. Let’s walk through each step together so you can nail it on your first try.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
– 4 garlic cloves, minced (use fresh for best flavor)
– 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
– 1 tsp paprika (adds color and mild heat)
– 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of both hens, including under the skin if possible.
5. Place the hens in the air fryer basket breast-side up, leaving space between them for air circulation.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens over using tongs.
7. Continue air frying for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

For a golden finish, the skin crisps beautifully while the garlic butter infuses every bite with rich, savory notes. Serve these hens over a bed of herbed rice or with roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious pan juices.

Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Mastering perfectly cooked Cornish hens is easier than you think with this air fryer method that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Many home cooks find whole birds intimidating, but breaking them down into halves makes them much more approachable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This spicy Cajun version brings bold flavor with minimal effort, using pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry with paper towels
• 2 tbsp olive oil, or any neutral high-heat oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, adjust spice level to preference
• 1 tsp garlic powder, for extra savory depth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika, adds smoky flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt, enhances overall seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, for subtle heat
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut each hen in half lengthwise along the breastbone and backbone.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all surfaces of the hen halves, including under the skin where possible.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
6. Arrange the hen halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up and not touching.
7. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, then flip the hens using tongs.
8. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Check that the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the juices run clear when pierced.
10. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
11. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the hens and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Just pulled from the air fryer, these hens boast crackling-crisp skin that gives way to incredibly moist, tender meat infused with the perfect balance of spicy, smoky Cajun flavors. Juicy results come from the resting period, which ensures every bite stays succulent rather than drying out. Serve these impressive halves over creamy grits or with roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious seasoned juices for a complete meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Honey Glazed Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Ready to impress with minimal effort? These honey glazed Cornish hens transform simple ingredients into an elegant meal using your air fryer. Follow these precise steps for perfectly cooked, glossy birds every time.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
– ¼ tsp garlic powder
– 3 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over both hens, including inside the cavities.
3. Season the hens inside and out with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
4. Truss the hens by tying the legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
6. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
7. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes.
8. While the hens cook, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
9. After 20 minutes, brush half of the honey glaze evenly over both hens.
10. Continue air frying at 375°F for 10 more minutes.
11. Brush the remaining glaze over the hens.
12. Air fry for a final 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
13. Transfer the hens to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Glazed to a deep golden brown, these hens boast crackling-crisp skin giving way to exceptionally juicy meat. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating restaurant-quality presentation with minimal cleanup. Serve each hen whole for an impressive individual portion, or carve them and arrange over a bed of wild rice pilaf to soak up the delicious pan juices.

Rosemary and Thyme Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Very few dishes deliver such impressive results with minimal effort as these perfectly seasoned Cornish hens. Versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant for special occasions, this air fryer method ensures crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Let’s walk through each simple step together to create this aromatic masterpiece.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 3 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
– 4 fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves stripped
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of both hens, including under the skin.
4. Place the hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
6. Flip the hens breast-side up using tongs.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over both hens.
8. Continue air frying at 375°F for another 15-20 minutes.
9. Check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

This method yields hens with crackling-crisp skin and incredibly moist, flavorful meat infused with herbal aromas. The bright lemon cuts through the richness beautifully, making these hens perfect for serving over creamy polenta or alongside roasted root vegetables for a complete meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Asian-Style Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Baking perfectly crisp Asian-style Cornish hens doesn’t require professional skills—just your air fryer and these straightforward steps. By breaking down the process methodically, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss, making this an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Let’s walk through each stage together to ensure your hens come out juicy inside with that signature crispy skin.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tsp minced garlic
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tbsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined.
2. Place Cornish hens in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re fully coated.
3. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Remove hens from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and pat them completely dry with paper towels to promote crispiness.
5. Transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan and whisk in cornstarch until no lumps remain.
6. Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 3 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
8. Brush the hens generously with half of the glaze, coating all surfaces.
9. Place hens in the air fryer basket, breast-side up, leaving space between them for air circulation.
10. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, then flip the hens carefully using tongs.
11. Brush with the remaining glaze and continue air frying for another 15–18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
13. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Keeping the skin delightfully crispy while the meat stays tender, these hens boast a balanced sweet-savory glaze with aromatic garlic and ginger notes. Try serving them over jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce, or pair with quick-pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast that highlights the Asian-inspired flavors.

Crispy Skin Air Fryer Cornish Hens

When you want restaurant-quality crispy poultry without the fuss, these air fryer Cornish hens deliver impressive results with minimal effort. We’ll walk through each step methodically to ensure perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat every single time.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
– 1 tbsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika (for color and mild flavor)
– 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels, including inside the cavity.
2. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over both hens, covering all skin surfaces.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the oiled hens, including inside the cavity.
5. Let the seasoned hens rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to help the skin dry further.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
7. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down.
9. Continue air frying for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
10. Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F.
11. Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, creating incredibly moist and tender results. The skin crackles with each bite while the seasoning permeates every layer of the succulent meat. Try serving these hens over a bed of wild rice pilaf or alongside roasted root vegetables for a complete meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Stuffed Air Fryer Cornish Hens with Wild Rice

Keeping weeknight dinners exciting doesn’t require complicated techniques—just a smart approach to classic flavors. This stuffed Cornish hen recipe transforms a humble bird into a showstopping meal using your air fryer, with a wild rice stuffing that soaks up all the delicious juices while cooking to perfection.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens, 1.5 lbs each (thawed if frozen)
– 1 cup cooked wild rice blend (cooled completely)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry inside and out with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, chopped onion, dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Spoon the wild rice mixture evenly into the cavity of each hen, filling about 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
4. Truss the hens by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips underneath.
5. Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the outside of both hens.
6. Season the exterior with garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, ensuring even coverage.
7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
9. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down.
10. Continue cooking at 375°F for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
11. Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before serving.
The wild rice stuffing becomes wonderfully moist and flavorful as it absorbs the hen’s natural juices during cooking, while the air fryer creates a beautifully crisp skin without any added oil. Serve each hen whole for an impressive presentation, or carve them and arrange over a bed of the remaining stuffing for a complete plate.

Mediterranean Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Baking perfectly crisp Mediterranean Cornish hens doesn’t require hours in the oven—just your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients. By breaking down the process into clear steps, you’ll achieve juicy meat and golden skin every time. Let’s walk through this methodical approach that transforms a whole bird into an impressive weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 1/4 cup olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
– 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
– 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh if available)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth to the seasoning)
– 1/2 tsp salt (adjust based on preference)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if possible)

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
2. Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it.
3. Flip each hen breast-side up and press firmly on the breastbone until it flattens.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Brush the seasoning mixture evenly over all surfaces of both hens, including under the skin.
6. Let the hens rest at room temperature for 20 minutes while preheating the air fryer to 375°F.
7. Arrange the hens in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breast-side up and not touching.
8. Air fry for 25 minutes at 375°F until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
9. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Transfer the hens to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Moist and tender with a beautifully crisp skin, these hens deliver bright lemon notes balanced by earthy oregano and smoky paprika. Serve them over a bed of couscous studded with roasted vegetables, or slice and tuck into warm pita bread with tzatziki for a handheld meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

BBQ Rubbed Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly juicy, these BBQ rubbed Cornish hens transform your air fryer into a mini rotisserie. Preparing these small birds with a dry rub creates a flavorful crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. Follow these simple steps for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each), pat dry with paper towels for crispier skin
– 2 tbsp olive oil, or any neutral oil for even coating
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika, for that classic BBQ color and flavor
– 1 tsp garlic powder, or granulated garlic if preferred
– 1 tsp onion powder, adds savory depth
– 1 tsp brown sugar, helps create a caramelized crust
– 1/2 tsp chili powder, adjust amount for desired heat level
– 1/2 tsp salt, use kosher salt for better distribution
– 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground works best

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels, including inside the cavity, to ensure crispy skin.
2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the BBQ rub.
3. Brush the hens evenly with olive oil, making sure to coat all surfaces including under the wings and legs.
4. Sprinkle the BBQ rub mixture generously over all sides of the hens, using your hands to press it into the skin.
5. Let the seasoned hens rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
7. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down using tongs.
9. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Juicy and tender with a perfectly crisp skin, these hens feature a smoky-sweet crust that pairs beautifully with the moist meat. The air fryer creates an even golden-brown color that’s typically hard to achieve in a conventional oven. Serve them whole for an impressive presentation or split them down the middle for individual portions alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.

Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Sometimes the most impressive meals come from surprisingly simple techniques. Starting with perfectly seasoned Cornish hens and a homemade teriyaki glaze, this air fryer method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

– 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
– 1 tbsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Season both hens evenly inside and out with black pepper.
3. Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan.
4. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for exactly 2 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove the teriyaki glaze from heat and stir in sesame oil.
7. Brush half of the teriyaki glaze evenly over both hens, covering all surfaces.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
9. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
10. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down.
11. Brush with remaining glaze and air fry for another 15 minutes at 375°F.
12. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
13. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before carving to retain juices.

For that final touch, the glossy teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating sticky-sweet skin that gives way to incredibly moist, tender meat. Flavorful enough to stand alone, these hens also pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce or served alongside crisp roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Creating perfectly crispy, smoky Cornish hens in your air fryer is simpler than you might think. Carefully pat the hens dry with paper towels, then rub them generously with a flavorful spice blend before air frying to golden perfection. This method yields incredibly juicy meat with crackling skin that will impress any dinner guest.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1.5-2 lbs each), patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Pat both Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels, including inside the cavities.
2. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over each hen, coating all surfaces thoroughly.
3. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both hens, rubbing it into the skin and inside the cavities.
5. Truss the hens by tying the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
7. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
8. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down.
9. Continue air frying for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before carving.

Here, the skin emerges shatteringly crisp while the meat remains remarkably moist and tender. Heavenly smoky paprika flavors permeate every bite, making these hens equally impressive for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try serving them over creamy polenta or alongside roasted root vegetables to soak up the delicious juices.

Sage and Onion Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Zest up your weeknight dinners with these perfectly seasoned Cornish hens that cook up beautifully in the air fryer. This method creates incredibly crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender throughout. You’ll be amazed how quickly these elegant little birds come together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (1.5 lbs each), patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 small onion, quartered

Instructions

1. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels, including inside the cavities.
2. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over both hens, covering all surfaces.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both hens, including under the skin and inside the cavities.
5. Place 2 lemon wedges and 2 onion quarters inside each hen’s cavity.
6. Truss the hens by tying the legs together with kitchen twine to help them cook evenly.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
8. Arrange the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
9. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast-side down using tongs.
10. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
11. Let the hens rest for 5 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Amazingly crispy skin gives way to incredibly moist, flavorful meat infused with the aromatic sage and onion notes. Serve these golden-brown hens over a bed of roasted vegetables or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in your own kitchen.

Balsamic and Honey Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Nothing brings comfort quite like a perfectly roasted bird, and these Balsamic and Honey Air Fryer Cornish Hens deliver exactly that with minimal effort. Now let’s walk through each step together to create a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 Cornish hens (about 1.5 lbs each), patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
2. Pat the Cornish hens completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
4. Brush the entire mixture evenly over both hens, making sure to coat all surfaces including under the wings.
5. Place the hens breast-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes, then carefully flip the hens using tongs.
7. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Transfer the hens to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

When you slice into these hens, you’ll discover beautifully caramelized skin giving way to incredibly juicy meat. The sweet honey and tangy balsamic create a glossy glaze that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad for a complete meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Conclusion

Savor the versatility of these 25 air fryer Cornish hen recipes—perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or cozy gatherings. We hope you find a new favorite! Give one a try, leave a comment sharing your top pick, and don’t forget to pin this roundup on Pinterest for easy access. Happy cooking!