Don Lee Farms chicken patties are a convenient frozen food item that can be found at many major retailers like Costco and Walmart. More and more people are discovering that cooking these patties in an air fryer results in a quick easy and healthy meal option. In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at Don Lee Farms chicken patties, provide air fryer cooking instructions, and suggest serving ideas to make the most of this nutritious product.
An Overview of Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties
Don Lee Farms is a California-based producer of plant-based and animal protein foods. Their chicken patties are made from 100% chicken breast meat mixed with herbs and spices. The ready-to-eat patties have grill marks seared into them to replicate the taste and texture of grilled chicken. Each 3.5 oz patty contains 21g of protein making it an excellent source of this important nutrient. With only 120 calories per patty, 2g of fat, and 370mg of sodium, these patties can fit into a healthy eating plan. The ingredients list contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. For those looking for a quick protein boost, Don Lee Farms chicken patties check all the boxes.
Why Cook Them in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have grown tremendously in popularity over the last few years due to their ability to produce crispy, fried results using little to no oil This makes them a great option for cooking frozen foods like Don Lee Farms chicken patties Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer
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Requires no preheating – Frozen patties can go straight into a cold air fryer saving time.
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Cooks food evenly – The circulating hot air surrounds food for even browning and thorough cooking.
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Adds crunch – The high heat from the air fryer gives the patties a crispy, fried texture without oil.
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Easy to use – Air fryers have simple controls and settings making them easy for anyone to operate.
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Fast cooking times – Food cooks rapidly thanks to the intense heat, so patties are ready in under 15 minutes.
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Minimal mess – Oil splatters are eliminated since barely any oil is used. Clean up is quick.
For delicious Don Lee Farms chicken patties with a perfectly crisp exterior and juicy interior, an air fryer is the way to go.
Step-By-Step Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Cooking Don Lee Farms chicken patties in an air fryer is very straightforward. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
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Preheat air fryer – Preheating isn’t required but will shorten the cooking time. Set to 370°F if preheating.
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Arrange patties – Place frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket allowing space in between.
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Set time and temperature – If not preheated, set air fryer to 370°F. Set timer for 10-14 minutes.
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Flip patties – After 5-7 minutes, open the air fryer and gently flip the patties.
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Check doneness – Cut into a patty after cooking to ensure no pink remains inside.
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Let rest briefly – Let patties rest 1-2 minutes before serving for juices to redistribute.
It’s that simple! Perfectly cooked Don Lee Farms chicken patties from the air fryer in less than 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for the Chicken Patties
A major bonus of Don Lee Farms chicken patties is they are extremely versatile. Here are some quick and easy ways to turn them into delicious meals and snacks:
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Chicken patty sandwiches – Place patties on buns and top with veggies, cheese, sauces, etc.
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Chicken tacos or burritos – Dice patties and stuff into warmed tortillas with taco toppings.
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Chicken salads – Dice or slice patties and add to fresh greens for more protein.
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Chicken pizza – Use diced patties as a pizza topping along with cheese, veggies and sauce.
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Chicken wraps – Stuff patties sliced or diced into tortillas with cheese, lettuce, etc.
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Chicken breakfast sandwiches – Cook patties and serve on an English muffin with egg and cheese.
With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless for turning Don Lee Farms chicken patties into fast and family-friendly meals. The mild flavor and texture lets other ingredients shine.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Patties
Since Don Lee Farms chicken patties come frozen in a large multi-serving package, you’ll likely have leftovers after cooking. Here are some storage and reheating tips:
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Store uncooked patties in their original packaging in the freezer until the use-by date.
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Place cooked leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 370°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave leftovers on a microwave-safe plate for 60-90 seconds until hot.
With proper storage, Don Lee Farms chicken patties will retain their quality and taste for quick weekday meals.
Are Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties Healthy?
Given the minimal ingredients and nutrition stats, Don Lee Farms chicken patties can be part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the health benefits they offer:
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Excellent source of lean protein to support muscle growth and repair.
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Low in fat, calories and sodium compared to other frozen chicken products.
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No artificial additives, preservatives or sweeteners.
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Gluten-free and contain no major allergens.
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High satiety from protein keeps you fuller longer on fewer calories.
As with any processed food, moderation is key. But overall, Don Lee Farms chicken patties can be a smart choice for an easy protein boost at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The Convenience Factor of Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties
Modern life is busy, and making time for preparing healthy meals can be a challenge. Having quick, nutritious options like Don Lee Farms chicken patties on hand makes sticking to your diet easier. Here’s what makes them such a convenient choice:
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Low prep time – Just open package and pop in the air fryer.
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Short cooking time – Dinner ready in about 15 minutes.
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No thawing required – Cook straight from frozen state.
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Long freezer life – Store for months in original packaging.
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Kid-friendly taste – Mild flavor appeals to picky eaters.
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Versatile uses – Allows creativity in serving suggestions.
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Easy cleanup – Minimal mess from air fryer cooking.
For those evenings when time is short and healthy hunger hits, keep Don Lee Farms chicken patties stocked in your freezer.
Air Fried Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties Are Worth a Try
If you’re looking for a nutritious frozen food that takes mere minutes to cook, Don Lee Farms chicken patties deserve a spot in your freezer. The lean chicken breast patties contain no sketchy ingredients and pack a sizable protein punch. Pop them in an air fryer, and you’ve got a fast weeknight dinner with a delicious crispy exterior and juicy interior. Better yet, their mild taste allows for endless serving possibilities from sandwiches to wraps to salads and more. For the ultimate in convenience, air fried Don Lee Farms chicken patties are hard to beat!
How to Melt Cheese on Top of a Chicken Patty
I love putting spicy pepper jack cheese on my chicken patties, but if you’ve ever tried putting a slice of cheese on something in an air fryer, you know it flies off immediately.
This is a fun trick I use to melt cheese without any added tools and it works perfectly every time.
- Place chicken patty on the bun (if using) and place in the air fryer.
- Turn the air fryer off completely and put a piece of cheese on the chicken patty.
- Close your air fryer and let it sit for 30-60 seconds. The cheese will melt from the residual heat in the air fryer!
I also use this trick when making Air Fryer Cheeseburgers.
How to Reheat a Chicken Patty in the Air Fryer
Reheating chicken patties in an air fryer is 1,000 times better than trying to reheat them in the microwave. The breading stays crispy and it tastes like you just cooked them the first time!
- Preheat your air fryer 350 degrees.
- Place chicken patties into the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes until warmed thoroughly.
- Finish recipe with toasting bun and melting cheese as stated in recipe below.
- Enjoy immediately!
Try using frozen chicken patties in one of these other recipes:
Costco’s Chicken Burgers are Antibiotic-Free, Simply Seasoned & Grilled | Don Lee Farms
FAQ
How long to put a frozen chicken patty in an air fryer?
Place the frozen chicken patties in the air fryer. Air fry them at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until they’re as crispy as you desire. When the chicken patties are done, you can serve them with your buns and favorite toppings. You can also air fry the buns for just under a minute at 350°F to get them nice and toasty.
How do you cook Don Lee Farms chicken patties?
Heating Instructions
Microwave: Place one (1) burger on a microwave safe dish and heat on HIGH for 30-45 seconds each side or until hot. Let stand for 1 minute before serving. Skillet: Preheat a non-stick pan over MEDIUM heat. Place one (1) burger on the skillet and heat for 3-4 minutes each side.
How long to cook chicken burgers in an air fryer at 400 degrees?
Form into patties (it should make about 4). Air fry at 400° F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. What is this?Jul 15, 2023
How long to cook frozen chicken patties at 400 degrees?
For the air fryer, preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange frozen patties in a single layer in basket. Heat for 9 minutes or until heated through.