How long do you deep fry a cornish hen?

Directions

1Don't fill your stockpot more than half full with shortening/oil, to allow for the inevitable boiling up when the hens are added.

2Also, be sure the hens are at room temperature so the fat temperature doesn't drop dramatically from the shock of an ice-cold bird.

3Rinse the hens and pat completely dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

4Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place a large wire cake rack over a jelly roll pan/cookie sheet.

5In a stockpot, melt vegetable shortening over high heat to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat it to 375 degrees F.

6Carefully put 1 Cornish hen in the hot shortening. Deep fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown.