Cooking a frozen Cornish hen in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, crispy meal. Simply season the hen and you’ll have a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy bird with golden, crispy skin. It’s a hassle-free dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Cooking a Cornish hen from frozen in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, crispy meal without the long thawing process. Cooking a frozen Cornish hen in the air fryer results in a perfectly golden, juicy hen with crispy skin—ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Serve with a side of Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes, a scoop of Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes, or a side of Air Fryer Creamed Spinach.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- No Thawing Needed: Skip the long thawing process and cook the Cornish hen straight from the freezer, saving you time and effort.
- Crispy Skin: The air fryer gives the hen perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few seasonings and 45-50 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Customize the flavor with your favorite seasonings or marinades, making it easy to tailor the dish to your taste.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Cornish Hens: Frozen hens, about 1.5-2 lbs each, perfect for air frying.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps crisp the skin.
- Garlic Powder: For a savory, aromatic boost to the flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and enhances the savory profile.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the hens.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- Optional: Lemon Wedges, Rosemary, or Thyme Sprigs: For added freshness and aromatic flavor.
Instructions
Step One: Place the frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry at 360 degrees F for 30 minutes to begin thawing and cooking.
Step Two: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the hens from the air fryer and brush them with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the hens, making sure they’re well coated.
Step Three: Return the hens to the air fryer, breast side up, and cook at 360°F for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
Step Four: Allow the hens to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen Recipe Tips
- Use Olive Oil: Brushing the hens with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Ensure the hens are evenly coated with garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs to enhance flavor throughout.
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh and breast for safe and tender meat.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Flip the hens halfway through cooking to ensure an even, crispy texture on both sides, especially if you’re using larger birds.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the hens rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices and ensure they stay tender.
- Customize with Fresh Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor right before serving.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Cornish hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the hen cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its quality.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the Cornish hen in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on the portion size
What To Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen
Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that complement its crispy skin and tender meat. Serve it with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts for a wholesome meal, or try a light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. For a classic touch, mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing would also make great additions to round out your meal.
Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen Recipe Faqs
Can I cook multiple Cornish hens at once? Yes, you can cook multiple frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer, as long as they fit comfortably in the basket without overcrowding. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, and make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Can I season the Cornish hen before freezing? Yes, you can season the Cornish hen before freezing, but it’s best to do so after thawing for maximum flavor absorption. If seasoning beforehand, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
How do I know when the Cornish hen is done? The Cornish hen is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
Can I cook a Cornish hen from thawed instead of frozen? Yes, you can cook a thawed Cornish hen in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time to around 25-30 minutes at 360°F, checking the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What should I do if the skin isn’t crispy? If the skin isn’t crispy enough, you can increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking or lightly spray the skin with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
Can I stuff the Cornish hen before air frying? It’s not recommended to stuff the hen before air frying, as the stuffing may not cook evenly. Instead, cook the stuffing separately for the best results.
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Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen
Description
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens, frozen Cornish hens, about 1.5-2 lbs each
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Lemon wedges, rosemary, or thyme sprigs for extra flavor
Instructions
- Place the frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes to begin the thawing and cooking process.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the hens from the air fryer and brush them with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the hens.
- Return the hens to the air fryer, breast side up, and cook at 360°F for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
- Let the Cornish hens rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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