Air-Fried Cornish Game Hen
Air-fried Cornish game hen is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring a small, whole bird—typically a cross between a male white leghorn chicken and a Cornish gamecock—seasoned with herbs, spices, and often a glaze or marinade before being cooked in an air fryer for a quick, even roast. The bird is native to Cornwall, England, but has become a popular gourmet or holiday meal in the United States, prized for its tender, juicy meat and elegant presentation.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and moderate in fat, providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, especially B12. A typical serving (one whole hen, about 1-1.5 pounds) ranges from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the cut (skin-on or skinless) and added seasonings or fats.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Protein | 72 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Potassium | 550 mg |
| Phosphorus | 480 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 14 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
Per 1 whole hen (about 450 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Cornish game hens symbolize a blend of rustic English tradition and American culinary innovation, often served at special occasions for their unique, individual-portion size. Nutritionally, they offer a leaner alternative to larger poultry like chicken or turkey, with a higher meat-to-bone ratio that makes them efficient for protein intake.
