Go Back Email Link
+ servings
A roasted cornish game hen on a large plate.

Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens

Sandi Gaertner
A deliciously seasoned Cornish game hens recipe that is cooked quickly in the air fryer.
5 from 6 votes
dairy free allergen icon
an egg free allergen icon
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Gluten Free Dinner Recipes, Meal Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 569 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cornish game hens
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 orange
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon flat leaf parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the melted butter and seasonings to a bowl and mix well.
  • Cut a small orange or mandarin orange in half and put it into the cavity of each Cornish game hen.
  • Gently pull up the skin on the breast of each hen.
  • Spread the butter herb mixture under the skin, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside of each hen.
  • Oil the bottom of the basket of your air fryer. See note.
  • Add the two hens.
  • Cook at 375º F for 20 minutes.
  • Open the air fryer and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • If the temperature is 165º F, your hens are done. If they are not hot enough internally, cook for an additional 10 minutes and recheck the temperature.
  • When the hens are finished, remove from the air fryer

Notes

  1. I used a spray coconut oil for the basket of my air fryer and you can a different oil, but make sure it is made for high heat.
  2. You can use regular oranges or mandarin oranges as I did.
  3. Use vegan butter if you would like this recipe to be dairy-free.
  4. The roasted game hens will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
Can you cook frozen game hens in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen game hens in the air fryer. You will need to extend the cooking time by 20-30 minutes. Note in cooking frozen hens in the air fryer, you won't be able to get the seasoning under the skin. If you want the flavor to really cook into the game hens, you will need to thaw them.

If you do decide to cook them before thawing, you will need to increase the cooking time significantly and check the internal temperature.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 569kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 39gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 257mgSodium: 819mgPotassium: 590mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 690IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.