Garlic Herb Butter Cornish Game Hen (Air Fryer)
This Garlic Herb Butter Cornish Game Hen recipe is your go-to for a quick yet elegant dinner that tastes like it took hours. The air fryer makes the skin irresistibly crispy while locking in moisture for tender, juicy meat. Flavored with a simple garlic herb butter, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for date night or holidays. Serve it with your favorite sides for a restaurant-quality meal at home in under an hour.
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Paper towels
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 cornish game hens about 1 to 1.5 lbs each, thawed if frozen
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: fresh herbs and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Hens: Pat the hens dry using paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Trim any excess fat or skin.
- Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Butter Under the Skin: Carefully lift the skin over the breast of each hen and spread some herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the hens.
- Spray Basket & Place Hens: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the hens breast side down, not touching.
- Air Fry: Cook for 25 minutes, then flip the hens breast side up and air fry for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let the hens rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a fresh green salad. Add a crisp glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon to complete the meal.
🔄 Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze meat off the bone in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories 650 kcal
- Protein 50 g
- Fat 46 g
- Saturated Fat 16 g
- Carbohydrates 2 g
- Sugar 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Sodium 820 mg
Nutrition data is an estimate based on standard calculations and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Notes
For extra flavor, refrigerate the seasoned hens for 1–2 hours before cooking.
Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
Don’t skip drying the skin—it’s the secret to that golden, crispy finish.
Cooking time may vary based on hen size and air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
📌 Save or Share This Recipe
Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards, print it for your kitchen, or share it with friends and family. Don’t forget to tag @CraveWorthyNutrition if you try it—I'd love to see your results!
Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards, print it for your kitchen, or share it with friends and family. Don’t forget to tag @CraveWorthyNutrition if you try it—I'd love to see your results!