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Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen

Air Fryer Frozen Cornish Hen

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Cook a frozen Cornish hen straight from the freezer in the air fryer — no thawing required. This easy method gives you juicy, tender meat under crispy golden skin in under an hour, with just a handful of pantry seasonings.

Ingredients 

  • 2 frozen Cornish hens, about 1.5–2 lbs each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: lemon wedges, fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

  • Place the frozen Cornish hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes to begin thawing and cooking.
  • Carefully remove the hens and brush them all over with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper, coating well.
  • Return the hens to the basket breast side up and cook at 360°F for another 20–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
  • Let the hens rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, and enjoy.

Equipment

Notes

  • Cook to temperature, not time. Air fryer wattage and hen size vary — a thermometer reading of 165°F is what guarantees a juicy, safe result.
  • Don't crowd the basket. Leave space around each hen so air can circulate. Cook in batches if your basket is small, and hold finished hens in a warm oven.
  • For extra-crispy skin, blot the skin dry before oiling in Step 2.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp (avoid the microwave).
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 2–3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 518kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 39gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 553mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg