Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and crispy texture. The combination of cilantro, lime, and spices gives the Cornish hen a zesty and savory kick that is balanced and delicious. Cooking in the air fryer makes this dish both fast and healthy, locking in the moisture while crisping the skin to perfection. Plus, with only a 15-minute prep time, it’s an easy dish to prepare even on a busy evening.
Ingredients
- 1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 lbs), split in half
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Pat the Cornish hen halves dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the hen, ensuring even coverage. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the marinated Cornish hen halves in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused Cornish Hen: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a more aromatic, herbaceous flavor.
- Spicy Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Cornish Hen: After cooking, brush the hen with melted garlic butter for a rich, savory finish.
- BBQ Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen: Add a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce after air frying for a tangy glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Cornish hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the hen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the skin remains crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a whole Cornish hen instead of halving it?
Yes, you can cook a whole Cornish hen, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. The whole hen will take about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I marinate the Cornish hen overnight?
Yes, marinating the Cornish hen overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate even more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
3. Can I use chicken instead of Cornish hen?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. How do I know when the Cornish hen is done?
The Cornish hen is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the Cornish hen ahead of time. After marinating, store it in the fridge and cook it when you’re ready.
6. Can I use frozen Cornish hen?
It’s best to thaw the Cornish hen before marinating and cooking it. You can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
7. Can I skip the lime zest?
While the lime zest adds an extra layer of citrus flavor, you can skip it if you don’t have it on hand. The lime juice will still provide a wonderful tang.
8. Can I cook more than one Cornish hen in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook more than one Cornish hen, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
9. Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the Cornish hen?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the air fryer, but make sure to cut them into smaller pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
10. What sides go well with this cilantro-lime Cornish hen?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, rice, or a light quinoa dish. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce or salsa.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen recipe is a flavorful and impressive way to enjoy a delicious dinner. The combination of fresh cilantro, lime, and spices creates a zesty marinade that infuses the Cornish hen with vibrant flavors. Air frying ensures the hen is juicy and tender on the inside, with a beautifully crispy skin on the outside. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen is a perfect blend of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and aromatic spices. Cooked in the air fryer, the Cornish hen comes out juicy on the inside with crispy, golden skin on the outside. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this easy and flavorful recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
1 Cornish hen (about 1.5 lbs), split in half
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
-
Pat the Cornish hen halves dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the hen, ensuring even coverage. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Place the marinated Cornish hen halves in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Marinating the Cornish hen for at least 10 minutes enhances the flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the hen is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If cooking a whole Cornish hen, adjust the cooking time to 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
