Name: Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
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

Hey y'all! If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something unique, juicy, and downright irresistible, this Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen is about to become your new favorite. With zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and perfectly crispy skin thanks to the magic of the air fryer, this recipe is ideal for weeknights, date nights, or impressing guests. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep!
Incredibly Juicy: Air fryer locks in moisture for tender, succulent meat every time.
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lime and cilantro pair perfectly for a bright, tangy taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for special dinners yet simple for casual meals.
Minimal Cleanup: One appliance, no oven mess!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

2 Cornish hens (about 1.25 lbs each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime zest (from 1-2 limes)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This fragrant mixture will infuse the hens with tons of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Cornish Hens

Pat the Cornish hens dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the hens, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Place hens in a resealable bag or covered dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures crispy skin from the start!

Step 4: Air Fry the Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Remove hens from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place both hens breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 25 minutes. Flip the hens breast-side up and cook for an additional 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (see USDA guidelines) and the skin is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the hens from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This keeps the juices locked in. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 43–47 minutes
Total Time: 53–57 minutes

Notes: Tips for Best Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness—Cornish hens cook quickly and can dry out if overdone. Learn more about using a thermometer.
Don’t skip the resting step—this helps retain all those delicious juices.
If your air fryer is small, cook one hen at a time for the crispiest results.

Variations: Make This Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen Your Own

Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Lemon-Herb Twist: Swap lime for lemon and cilantro for parsley plus a touch of rosemary.
Garlic Butter: Replace half the olive oil with melted butter and double the garlic for a rich, savory flavor.

Required Equipment for Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Air fryer (at least 5 qt capacity)
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Meat thermometer
Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions & Shelf Life

Store leftover Cornish hen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp the skin. For longer storage, freeze cooked hen portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Recommendations: What to Pair with Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Serve with fluffy cilantro-lime rice and roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Pair with a crisp green salad topped with avocado and corn.
Garnish with extra lime wedges and a drizzle of herbed yogurt sauce for a refreshing finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Let the hens come to room temperature for 15 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
For ultra-crispy skin, pat the hens very dry before applying the marinade.
If the skin is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 5-10 minutes (see more tips here).

FAQ: Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen

Can I use frozen Cornish hens?

Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking for even results.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

You can substitute with fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and a hint of mint for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the Cornish hens are done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and juices should run clear.

Air Fryer Cilantro-Lime Cornish Hen