Air Fryer Flautas: Crunchy, Cheesy, and Delicious!

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Air Fryer Flautas are easy to make and require a few ingredients. This is the best dish for your meal or snack time. With each bite, their crispness and flavorful toppings will take you to the next world. Their mouthwatering taste will be a treat for your family.

Air Fryer Flautas are a delightful Mexican-inspired dish. They are known for their crispy tortilla shells and flavorful fillings. The word "flauta" translates to "flute" in Spanish, and these delicious treats are named for their flute-like appearance.

Here, we will explore how to make Flautas in air fryer, chef's pro tips, serving ideas, filling variations, and much more.

What Makes Air Fryer Flautas Special

Crispy and Healthy: Air Fryer Flautas have the same great crunch as deep-fried flautas but use much less oil, which makes them a healthy option.
Filling Customization: You can customize the fillings according to your taste. You can go with chicken, beef, beans, seafood, or any other of your choice.
Quick and Easy: Air frying is faster than traditional frying, which makes this recipe the best choice for busy cooks.
Kid-Friendly: Air Fryer Flautas are kids-friendly, they love their crispy texture and delicious fillings.
Perfect for Parties: You can make Air Fryer Flautas in advance for parties and air fry them just before serving. You can impress your guests with a fresh and crispy snack.

Ingredients

Shredded Chicken (cooked) - 1 cup
Salsa - 1/2 cup
Shredded Mexican-blend Cheese - 1/2 cup
Flour Tortillas - 8
Cumin - 1 teaspoon
Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil - for brushing the flautas
Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for toppings

Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Kitchen brush

How To Cook Air Fryer Flautas

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for the best cooking results.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, salsa, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create your Flauta filling.

Take one flour tortilla at a time and place a portion of the filling along the center of each tortilla.
Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling. You can use toothpicks to keep them closed.

Lightly brush each Flauta with olive oil to achieve a golden brown color during cooking.
Arrange the Flautas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and leave some space between them for even cooking.
Cook the Flautas in the preheated air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become crispy and golden on all sides.

Once they are beautifully crispy and golden, remove the toothpicks from the Flautas.
Serve your Air Fryer Flautas with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauces as a delicious snack.

Chef's Pro Tips

Use Fresh Tortillas: Use fresh tortillas for the best results. Fresh tortillas are more flexible and have fewer chances to crack when rolled.
Don't Overstuff: Don't overstuff your Flautas with filling. If they are overstuffed, they could burst during cooking.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is important for even cooking and perfect crispiness.
Use Cooking Oil: Lightly brush or spray the Flautas with cooking oil or non-stick spray to achieve a golden brown color.
Don't Overcrowd: Ensure that you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the Flautas in a single layer to cook them evenly.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Flautas

Filling Variations

Beef Flautas: Use seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of spices as a savory filling.
Shrimp Flautas: For a seafood twist, sauté shrimp with garlic and your favorite seafood seasonings before filling the tortillas.
Vegetarian Flautas: If you want a vegetarian version, use black beans, corn, sautéed vegetables, and cheese as your filling.
Breakfast Flautas: Make a breakfast version by filling tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon.
Dessert Flautas: Satisfy your sweet tooth by filling tortillas with Nutella and sliced bananas. After air frying, dust them with powdered sugar to enjoy dessert Flautas.

How To Store Leftovers

Allow your leftover Air Fryer Flautas to cool to room temperature.
Wrap each Flauta individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking together. You can also place them in an airtight container.
Store the Flautas in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place the leftover Flautas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Reheat the Flautas for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and crispy again.

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FAQ's

Can I Use Corn Tortillas For Air Fryer Flautas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor, or you can opt for flour tortillas, which work equally well. The choice is yours!

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Or Leftover Chicken For The Filling?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to make these Flautas quickly. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it with your desired seasonings and cheese for the filling.

Are There Gluten-Free Options For Air Fryer Flautas?

Yes, you can find gluten-free tortillas at most grocery stores. Use gluten-free tortillas to make Air Fryer Flautas suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

What Are Some Of The Best Dipping Sauces For Flautas?

Besides sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, you can try ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a homemade cilantro-lime crema for unique flavors.

Can I Make Mini Flautas For Appetizers?

Yes, you can use smaller tortillas and less filling to create mini Flautas, perfect for serving as appetizers or party snacks.

How Do I Prevent My Flautas From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?

To prevent sticking, brush the Floutas lightly with cooking oil or use non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer basket. This will help them become crispy without sticking to the surface.