These easy-to-make, herb- and spice-seasoned deep-fried Cornish hens have a juicy inside and crispy, golden brown skin, making them perfect for a weeknight or holiday meal!
If you’re craving juicy, crispy, and flavorful cornish hens, use your reliable Masterbuilt turkey fryer and follow this deep-frying guide. This recipe offers a tasty and easy way to up your poultry game, making it suitable for both novice and experienced grillers.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole Cornish hens
- 1 1/2 ounces Buttery Creole Marinade (or your preferred brand)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola oil recommended)
- Steak and poultry seasoning (your preferred brand)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Hens: Set your oil for the turkey fryer to 400°F (350°F for propane fryers). While the oil heats up, prepare your Cornish hens. Remove any giblets and rinse them thoroughly with warm water. Ensure the cavity is completely drained.
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Marinate and season: Put 1/4 ounce of marinade into each leg and thigh and 1/2 ounce into each breast of each Cornish hen. Liberally season the inside and outside of the hens with steak and poultry seasoning.
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Deep Fry: Carefully lower the seasoned hens into the hot oil using a basket. Maintain the oil temperature at 325°F and fry for 14 minutes.
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Drain and Serve: Remove the basket from the fryer and place the hens in a pan to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving
Tips and Tricks:
- Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked hens. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature throughout the frying process.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry the hens in batches if necessary.
- Safety First: Always wear heat-resistant gloves and safety goggles when deep-frying. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Seasoning Options: Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profiles. Cajun spices, lemon-herb blends, or even a simple salt and pepper rub can add a delicious twist.
- Accompaniments: Pair your deep-fried Cornish hens with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad.
Using a turkey fryer to deep-fry Cornish hens is an enjoyable and fulfilling culinary endeavor. You can quickly and easily achieve crispy, golden-brown perfection with this Masterbuilt recipe guide. So grab your fixings, fire up the fryer, and get ready to enjoy the flavor of deep-fried Cornish hens!
Additional Resources:
- Masterbuilt Turkey Fryer Recipes: https://www.masterbuilt.com/blogs/recipes/turkey-fryer-recipes
- How to Deep Fry Cornish Hens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAL9mpaseX4
Enjoy your deep-fried Cornish hens!
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CORNISH HEN – We used two cornish hens each weighing 24 ounces. You will want your hens to be thawed before beginning. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or until no longer frozen. To help them thaw a little quicker, you can place them (in their packaging) in a bowl of cold water. Just replace the water as needed to keep it cold.
WET RUB: To make this rub, mix together olive oil, chili powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic salt. Feel free to substitute with your favorite blend of spices and seasonings.
Why this recipe works
If you love fried chicken, you’ll love deep fried cornish hens. With cornish game hens, the meat is even more tender compared to regular chicken. When you top it with crispy, crunchy fried skin, you have a year-round dish that’s ideal for serving a smaller gathering.
You can make cornish hens multiple different ways from baking, deep frying, and even air frying them. They’re like mini whole chickens, bred specifically for their meat. After applying a moist rub to them, the hens will be submerged in a hot bath in a deep fryer to crisp their skin and cook the meat to a perfect consistency.
