Indian spiced Cornish hen in Air Fryer

This dish is inspired by the Rotisserie chicken that we used to get at the grocery store. However I wanted to try it using a smaller version of the chicken, i.e., the Cornish hen. I tried to Air fry the Cornish hen using Indian spices and it turned out very well. The spices that I have used are mild, so it is good for children’s palate also. Since I have used the Air Fryer, it uses very less oil.

Servings : 2

Ingredients:

1. Cornish hen – 1 (frozen or fresh, thawed if frozen)
2. Yogurt – 1 and 1/2 cups
3. Raw chilli powder – 1 teaspoon ( very spicy one)
4. Chilli + coriander powder – 2 heaping tablespoons (normal one that we use for gravies)
5. Chicken Masala powder – 1 heaping tablespoon
6. Red food color – 1/8 teaspoon
7. Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
8. Salt – 1 heaping tablespoon
9. Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 3 tablespoons
10. Oil – 2 tablespoons

Method:

1. First, clean the Cornish hen and remove all the skin and keep it ready.

2. Then prepare the marination. Add all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredients section except the Cornish hen and mix well. Check the spice and salt level before touching the Cornish hen.

3. Take a large Ziploc bag and place the Cornish hen inside it. Then pour the marinade into it and SEAL it. After sealing the bag, toss the contents so that the marinade is spread all over the hen. Refrigerate for 36 hours. Example : Make this marinade ready by Friday evening and refrigerate the hen. Air Fry it on Sunday morning.

After 36 hours of marination, Preheat the Air Fryer to 350° F. Then place the Cornish hen carefully into the Air Fryer and bake for 15 minutes.

4. This is how it looks after the first 15 minutes.

5. Flip the hen and again bake for 15 minutes. Total baking time is 30 minutes. Remove it from the air fryer and check with a meat thermometer. The temperature should measure 160° F. Allow it to cool down for 5 to 10 minutes and then enjoy.