Today, I am excited to share with you a delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends: Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens. These succulent hens are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. Whether you are planning a special dinner or just want to try something new, this recipe is a must-try!
Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 Cornish Game Hens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the Cornish Game Hens dry with a paper towel. Brush the olive oil mixture evenly over each hen, making sure to coat all sides.
4. Place the hens in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. Flip the hens over and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.
How to Prepare:
Preparing Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens is incredibly easy. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. While the air fryer is preheating, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Next, pat the Cornish Game Hens dry with a paper towel and brush the olive oil mixture evenly over each hen, making sure to coat all sides.
Once your hens are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the hens over and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It is important to let the hens rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens is approximately 35 minutes. This includes preheating the air fryer, seasoning the hens, cooking time, and letting the hens rest before serving. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Servings:
This recipe serves 2 individuals. Each person will enjoy their own perfectly cooked Cornish Game Hen, ensuring an intimate and special dining experience. However, you can easily adjust the recipe to accommodate more guests by doubling or tripling the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition facts for Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens may vary slightly depending on the size of the hens and the specific ingredients used. However, as a general guide, each Cornish Game Hen contains approximately 350 calories, 25g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein. This recipe is a great option for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet.
Tips:
- Make sure to pat the Cornish Game Hens dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin.
- If desired, you can add additional herbs or spices to the olive oil mixture to customize the flavor.
- Serve Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends to create unique flavor profiles.
- For a more indulgent version, you can brush the hens with melted butter instead of olive oil before cooking.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of poultry?
While this recipe is specifically designed for Cornish Game Hens, you can adapt it to other types of poultry such as chicken or turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I marinate the hens?
Yes, you can marinate the hens before cooking to infuse them with additional flavor. Simply combine your desired marinade ingredients and let the hens marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use a different cooking method?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy delicious Cornish Game Hens by using alternative cooking methods such as roasting, grilling, or pan-searing. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the hens are fully cooked.
Now that you have the recipe for Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens, it’s time to gather the ingredients and start cooking. This delectable dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the tender, juicy meat, and crispy skin that the air fryer brings to this classic dish. Bon appétit!
