Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a fast, convenient and healthy way to cook. Using rapid air circulation and high heat, air fryers can produce deliciously crispy foods using little to no oil. While air fryers are commonly used to make foods like french fries, chicken wings and fish fillets, did you know you can also use them to cook a whole hen?
Cooking a whole hen in an air fryer results in skin that is perfectly crisped and juicy, tender meat all in way less time than using a traditional oven. It makes for an easy, mess-free and tasty main course.
Benefits of Cooking a Hen in an Air Fryer
There are several benefits to cooking a whole hen in an air fryer versus roasting it in the oven:
– Speed – An air fryer can cook a hen in about 1 hour, while oven roasting can take 1.5-2 hours. The rapid air circulation cooks the bird more quickly and evenly.
– Convenience – Simply place the seasoned hen in the air fryer basket and it will cook without having to monitor and turn it as is needed with oven roasting.
– Crispy skin – The high heat from the air fryer circulates around the hen, crisping up the skin nicely all over without drying out the meat.
– Juicy meat – Air fryers rapidly cook the hen, sealing in moisture so the meat stays tender and juicy.
– Less fat – An air fryer requires little to no oil to cook, so the hen won’t be cooked in all the grease from the skin rendering out as with oven roasting.
– Easy cleanup – There’s minimal splatter in an air fryer, so cleanup of the basket is quick and simple after cooking.
Choosing a Hen for Air Frying
When selecting a hen to cook in your air fryer, opt for a smaller sized bird that will fit comfortably in your machine. Here are some guidelines:
– For a small 3-4 quart air fryer, choose a cornish hen that is around 1-2 lbs.
– For a medium 5-6 quart air fryer, you can use a small chicken around 3-4 lbs.
– Larger air fryers can accommodate a chicken up to 6 lbs.
You’ll want to make sure there is adequate room for air flow around the hen as it cooks. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Preparing the Hen
Follow these easy steps for prepping a hen to cook in an air fryer:
1. If your hen is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before air frying.
2. Remove the packet of giblets from the cavity. Rinse the hen under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Make sure it is fully dry for best air frying results.
3. Trim away any excess fat and skin from around the cavity opening so it doesn’t cook up chewy.
4. Rub the skin all over with a little oil or melted butter to help it get crispy.
5. Season the hen generously inside and out with salt, pepper and any additional desired spices or herbs. Some good options are garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, etc.
6. For extra flavor and moisture, stuff the cavity with lemon, onion and herbs.
7. Tie the legs closed with butcher’s twine to maintain the shape.
8. Place the seasoned hen breast side up into the air fryer basket.
Air Frying a Whole Hen
Follow this simple process for perfectly air frying a whole hen:
1. Pre-heat your air fryer to 370°F.
2. Place the prepared hen breast side up in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry for 15 minutes at 370°F.
4. Carefully flip the hen over so it is breast side down. Air fry for another 15 minutes.
5. Flip the hen back over so breast side is up again. Air fry for approximately 30-40 minutes more until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
6. Let the hen rest for 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Carve the hen and serve immediately. Enjoy your juicy, crispy air fried hen!
Air Fryer Hen Cooking Times
Use these approximated cooking times for different sized hens:
| Hen Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1-2 lb Cornish Hen | 45-55 minutes |
| 3-4 lb Chicken | 55-65 minutes |
| 5-6 lb Chicken | 65-75 minutes |
Adjust times as needed to reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thighs. Smaller hens may cook faster than larger ones.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some helpful tips for achieving the best air fried hen possible:
– Pat the skin very dry before cooking for crispiest skin.
– Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
– Spray the basket with oil for easier release and cleanup.
– Flip the hen over halfway during cooking for even browning.
– Let the hen rest before carving to retain juices.
– Add roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots or brussels sprouts to the air fryer for a complete meal.
– Use a probe thermometer if your air fryer has this feature to monitor temp more easily.
– Try injecting flavors like lemon, garlic and herbs under the skin for added moisture and taste.
Serving and Pairing
The crispy, juicy hen cooked in the air fryer makes for a delicious entree. Serve it whole at the table for an attractive presentation or carve it up ahead of time. Here are some tasty pairing suggestions:
– Herb roasted potatoes or root vegetables
– Rice pilaf or couscous
– Fresh salad or coleslaw
– Biscuits or corn muffins
– Pan gravy or sauce made from the hen drippings
– Wine, sparkling cider or lemonade
Get creative with your own favorite side dishes and sauces! A hen cooked in the air fryer also works great for sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes and more. Make a batch of leftovers for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Cooking Hen
It’s important to clean your air fryer properly after cooking to avoid bacteria growth. Follow these steps:
1. Unplug the air fryer and let cool completely before cleaning.
2. Remove the basket and wash in hot soapy water. Use a sponge or brush to scrub off any stuck on bits.
3. Clean the inside of the air fryer drawer with a damp cloth. Don’t submerge in water.
4. Dry all parts thoroughly before replacing in the air fryer.
5. Run the air fryer empty on high heat for 5-10 minutes to burn off any lingering grease or food debris inside.
6. Replace the clean basket and you’re set!
Proper cleaning after each use keeps your air fryer in tip-top condition for crispy, delicious results every time.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole hen in an air fryer is a quick, easy and healthier alternative to oven roasting. The hen will come out perfectly golden brown on the outside and moist and tender on the inside in way less time. Follow the prep tips, suggested cooking times and cleaning guidelines for foolproof results. Air frying makes it so simple to enjoy a home cooked hen dinner any night of the week. Give this tasty recipe a try soon and impress your family and guests with your air frying skills.