Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 2 cornish hens (2 lbs each)
  • 2 thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp chopped rosemary
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (up to 1 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp chopped thyme leaves
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Instruction

  • 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.
  • 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.