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Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens with Dry Rub
If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make main dish, these air fryer Cornish game hens with dry rub are the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and six easy steps, you’ll have juicy and crispy-skinned game hens that will impress your guests.
Cornish game hens may sound like game birds, but they are actually broiler chickens bred specifically for their meat. These small chickens weigh less than two pounds and develop large breasts in a short period of time. They were originally bred during WWII when there was a need for quick meat production.
To make these air fryer Cornish game hens, start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F. Stuff the cavities of the hens with onion wedges and crushed garlic for added flavor. Then, rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle on your favorite barbecue seasoning blend or dry rub.
Cook the game hens in the air fryer for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. To get extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last five minutes of cooking. Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving.
These Cornish game hens make an attractive presentation on the plate and are sure to spark conversation at the dinner table. The juicy breast meat and crispy skin will leave your guests impressed. Serve them with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce or traditional BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal, these air fryer Cornish game hens with dry rub are a must-try recipe. Give it a go and share your experience by leaving a comment below or sharing a photo on social media using #alicensetogrill and #savorthebest. Happy cooking!
What is a Cornish Game Hen?
Cornish game hens are not actually game birds or female chickens, despite their name. They are a variety of broiler chickens that are bred specifically for their meat. The Cornish game hen is a cross between Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chickens. These hens typically weigh less than two pounds after being butchered.
Legend has it that Cornish game hens were originally bred during WWII when there was a need for farmers to produce meat quickly due to food scarcity. These birds are unique because they develop large breasts in a short period of time.
Ingredients you need for Cornish game hens
This recipe for air fryer Cornish game hens requires the following ingredients:
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 2 tablespoons barbecue seasoning blend (or your favorite dry rub)
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
To make these delicious air fryer Cornish game hens, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
- In the meantime, stuff the cavities of the Cornish game hens with the onion wedges and smashed garlic.
- Rub the skin of the birds with olive oil and sprinkle on the barbecue seasoning blend. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken.
- Place the stuffed and seasoned birds in the preheated air fryer.
- Cook the birds in the air fryer for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- After 30 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and flip the birds again. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to get crispy skin.
- Remove the cooked birds from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them.
- Serve and enjoy your juicy and flavorful air fryer Cornish game hens!
Note: If you have a smaller air fryer, it is recommended to cook one Cornish game hen at a time. Different air fryer brands may also cook at slightly different rates, so make sure to check the doneness of the hens and adjust the cooking time if necessary. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the Cornish game hens reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Why this recipe is so great!
This recipe for Air Fryer Cornish Game Hens with Dry Rub is incredibly easy to prepare and yields juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin. The air fryer method ensures that the hens cook evenly and develop a deliciously crispy exterior. The barbecue dry rub adds a spicy and sweet flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Additionally, the recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 6 simple steps, making it quick and convenient to throw together.
Cornish game hens are unique in that they offer an attractive presentation on the plate and make for a great conversation starter at the dinner table. Despite their name, they are not game birds but rather broiler chickens bred specifically for their meat. They have large breasts that develop quickly, resulting in tender and juicy portions of meat.
Whether you choose to serve these air fryer Cornish game hens with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce or a traditional BBQ sauce, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe makes it a standout option for any meal.
In conclusion, using an air fryer to cook Cornish game hen is a quick and convenient method that yields deliciously crispy results. The air fryer’s ability to evenly distribute heat ensures tender meat while reducing the need for excess oil. With its versatility and time-saving benefits, the Cornish game hen air fryer is a must-try cooking technique for any poultry enthusiast.
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