How to Deep Fry Juicy, Golden Cornish Hens in a Turkey Fryer

Deep frying Cornish hens in a turkey fryer is a fantastic way to achieve wonderfully moist flavorful poultry with an insanely crispy skin. If you’ve never tried deep frying hens before you’re in for an absolute treat!

I’ve deep fried Cornish hens numerous times over the years and have refined my technique to perfection. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through my foolproof process from start to finish, along with plenty of tips and tricks for deep frying success Let’s get cracking!

Benefits of Deep Frying Cornish Hens

Before we dive in let’s go over some of the major benefits of deep frying Cornish hens

• Crispy, golden brown skin – Deep frying allows you to achieve an incredible crunch and gorgeous color that you just can’t replicate with other cooking methods.

• Juicy, moist meat – The meat cooks quickly in the hot oil, locking in plenty of natural juices. No dry hens here!

• Intense flavor – The high heat of frying really concentrates the flavors of any seasoning, marinades or rubs.

• Faster than roasting – Individual hens fry up much quicker than a large roast turkey. Great for weeknight meals!

• Fun, impressive technique – Your guests will be wowed as you lower these beauties into the hot oil.

Let’s get frying!

Step 1 – Select Your Hens

I prefer to use small Cornish hens that are around 1-1.5 pounds each. Larger hens can also be fried but may require longer cooking times. Plan on about 1 hen per person.

Make sure the hens are fully thawed if frozen. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – excess moisture can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Frying Station

You’ll need an outdoor propane turkey fryer or a large heavy pot like a Dutch oven. I recommend using peanut oil, but vegetable or canola oil also work well.

Fill the vessel with oil about 6-8 inches deep. It’s critical not to overfill it to prevent boil overs. Heat the oil to 350°F – I highly recommend using a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Safety first – deep frying involves extremely hot oil. Wear long sleeves, closed toed shoes, oven mitts and be cautious. Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Never leave the fryer unattended.

Step 3 – Season the Hens

Now it’s time for the fun part – seasoning! I prefer a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Really coat the hens inside and out for maximum flavor.

Feel free to get creative with cajun seasoning, lemon pepper or herbs. Brining or marinating the hens for a few hours beforehand is also delicious.

Step 4 – Fry the Hens

Very slowly lower each hen into the hot oil using tongs or a frying basket. Taking your time prevents the oil from splattering. Maintain the oil temp at 325-350°F.

Fry for 12-15 minutes until gorgeously browned and cooked through. I recommend frying just 2 hens at a time max so they have plenty of room.

Use an instant read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thighs.

Step 5 – Drain and Enjoy!

Carefully transfer the fried hens to a cooling rack placed over a sheet pan. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

I love serving deep fried Cornish hens with barbecue sauce, honey mustard or ranch for dipping. They pair wonderfully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits and mac and cheese.

The combination of moist, well-seasoned meat and that insanely crispy skin takes these little hens over the top! Your guests will go crazy for them.

Tips for Deep Fried Cornish Hen Success

Here are some additional pointers to ensure perfect deep fried hens every time:

• Let fried hens rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.

• Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

• Use instant read thermometer to verify doneness.

• Keep fried hens warm in a 225°F oven if not serving immediately.

• Mix up the seasoning – Cajun spice and lemon pepper are amazing!

• Injecting a flavorful marinade adds even more moisture and taste.

• For convenience, hens can be fried directly frozen without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

• Peanut oil offers the best flavor, but vegetable and canola oil work too.

The Joy of Deep Fried Hens

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