Cider Herb Spiced Cornish Hens
These Cider & Herb Spiced Cornish Hens are marinated in a mixture of apple cider, fresh herbs, dark brown sugar, maple syrup and spice, then coated in a homemade spice rub and pressure cooked until tender.
Servings: 2 cornish hens
Calories: 1233kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cornish hens 2 lbs each
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
For the Marinade
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 4 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 large onion chopped
- 10 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cornish Hens
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika up to 1 tsp
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
- Olive oil for drizzling
- turkey rub find recipe here
Instructions
- Prep both cornish hens by removing the giblets and rinsing with cold water then pat dry. Also remove any excess skin and fat.
- Add a thyme sprig to the cavity of each hen then tie ends of the legs together with twine. Lift wing tips up and over the back then tuck them under.
- Add both cornish hens along with all marinade ingredients to one large plastic ziplock bag. Mix ingredients well and refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
- When ready to cook, remove hens from marinade, pat completely dry and season with salt, paprika, rosemary, and thyme or use my turkey rub.
- Add cornish hens to Instant Pot then pour the remaining marinade in the inner pot. Lock with the pressure cooker lid and cook for 25 minutes at high pressure.
- When the cook time ends, quick release the pressure.
- Remove the pressure cooker lid and using tongs, take the hens out of the inner pot and completely drain the liquid (you can save this to make a quick gravy).
- Making sure that your inner pot is completely dry, place the air fryer basket into the pot.
- Drizzle the hens with olive oil to help brown and place in the basket. Top with the air fryer lid.
- Turn the Instant Pot to air fry for 5-7 minutes. Once complete, let hens rest for 10 minutes.
- Remove twine and sprigs of thyme from inside hens, then serve with remaining drippings or cook down to make a gravy and serve.
Notes
How to Roast Cornish Hens in the Oven: You can bake at 400 for 55-70 minutes or just until hens reach 165°F with a thermometer.
Nutrition
Calories: 1233kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 455mg | Sodium: 2633mg | Potassium: 2116mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 864IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 6mg