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**Essential Prep & Safety First:** Before you begin, ensure your deep-frying pot or sturdy stockpot is filled no more than halfway with the combined shortening and oil. This critical safety measure prevents dangerous boil-overs when the hens are introduced. Additionally, confirm that your Cornish game hens are at room temperature; this prevents a drastic drop in oil temperature, which is key for achieving perfectly crispy skin and even cooking.
**Prepare the Hens:** Thoroughly rinse each Cornish game hen under cold running water. Using paper towels, meticulously pat them completely dry, both inside and out. This step is crucial for crispiness. Allow the prepped hens to rest at room temperature for approximately one hour to ensure they come to temperature.
**Set Up Holding Station:** Preheat your oven to a gentle 200°F (95°C). Place a large wire cooling rack over a sturdy baking sheet or jelly roll pan. This setup will serve as a warm holding station, keeping your fried hens hot and crisp while you finish the batch.
**Heat the Frying Fat:** In a heavy-bottomed stockpot or deep-fryer, melt the vegetable shortening and add the neutral oil until the fat reaches a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Over high heat, bring the fat mixture to a precise temperature of 375°F (190°C), using a reliable deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
**Deep-Fry to Golden Perfection:** Carefully and slowly lower one prepared Cornish game hen into the hot oil, exercising extreme caution to avoid splashes. Deep-fry the hen, turning it occasionally with tongs to ensure all sides achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color and the internal temperature reaches a safe level (165°F or 74°C). This process typically takes several minutes per hen.
**Rest and Repeat:** Once the first hen is perfectly golden and cooked through, carefully remove it from the oil, allowing any excess fat to drain. Transfer the fried hen to the prepared wire rack in the preheated oven to keep warm and crisp. Repeat the frying process with the second Cornish game hen.
**Season and Serve:** Immediately after frying, lightly season the hot hens with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve these delectable deep-fried Cornish game hens piping hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.