Air-Fryer Flautas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Flautas are a traditional Mexican dish made with a filling of shredded meat or a mixture of shredded meat, cheeses, and onions, rolled up in a tortilla. They can be made in an air fryer by preparing the filling, rolling the flautas, and then cooking them in the air fryer. The air fryer method is easy and fast and results in flautas that are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.

Flautas Filling Ideas

Flautas are a Mexican dish made from tortillas filled with meat, poultry, cheese, and other fillings. They are then fried until golden and crispy. Here are some ideas for fillings to make your flautas delicious:

Chicken Flautas

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken specifically for your flautas. Shredded chicken is a great option for flautas as it is easy to eat and can be seasoned with various spices like cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add in some vegetables like onions and jalapenos for extra flavour and texture.

Beef Flautas

Shredded beef is another popular option for flautas. You can use leftover roast beef or cook beef specifically for this dish. Season the beef with spices like garlic salt, red pepper flakes, paprika, and cumin. You can also add in some salsa and cheese for extra flavour.

Pork Flautas

Shredded pork is a delicious and juicy option for flautas. You can use leftover pork or cook it specifically for this dish. Season the pork with your favourite spices and add in some cheese and vegetables if desired.

Vegetable Flautas

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can fill your flautas with grilled vegetables. Some options include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add in some cheese and spices to taste.

Cheese Flautas

For a simple and delicious option, fill your flautas with shredded cheese. You can use Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Asadero cheese. You can also add in some spices and herbs to taste.

Other Ideas

You can also get creative and experiment with different fillings like ground beef, mashed potatoes, refried beans, or a combination of meat and vegetables. You can also make your flautas spicy by adding some hot sauce or chilli peppers.

Flautas Rolling Techniques

Flautas are long, thin, and flute-shaped, resembling a flute, which is what "flautas" means in Spanish. They are typically made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas can also be used.

• Firstly, it is important to use fresh, pliable tortillas. Warming the tortillas before rolling can make them more flexible and less likely to crack. This can be done by heating them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel or steaming them on a steamer basket over boiling water for 15-20 seconds.
• Secondly, ensure that the filling is evenly distributed across the tortilla. An uneven filling can cause the flautas to unroll while frying.
• Thirdly, when placing the filling, leave enough space around the edges to allow for rolling without the filling spilling out.
• Additionally, try spreading a small amount of refried beans or sour cream on the edges of the tortilla to help them stick together and prevent cracking.
• When rolling the flautas, make sure to roll them tightly and evenly, tucking in the ends as you go to create a neat and compact cylinder.
• For a stronger seal, you can apply a small amount of water to the end of the tortilla before rolling.
• You can also use toothpicks to secure the ends of the flautas, especially if frying multiple flautas at once, as the heat and oil can cause them to unroll. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving to prevent choking hazards.
• Another technique is to roll the tortilla in half before rolling it into a cylinder to make the process easier.
• Finally, when frying, ensure that the oil is hot enough to help the tortillas crisp up and hold their shape.

Air Fryer Settings for Flautas

Flautas are a Mexican-style street food that can be easily made in an air fryer. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including flautas, with crispy perfection without the need for deep frying in oil.

Air Fryer Temperature Settings for Flautas

To make flautas in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. The specific temperature setting may vary slightly depending on the recipe and the type of tortilla used. For example, one recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 385°F for chicken flautas, while another suggests 380°F for chicken and cheese flautas.

Air Fryer Time Settings for Flautas

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, place the assembled flautas in the air fryer basket, seam-side down, and set the timer. The cooking time for flautas in an air fryer can range from 7 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that you may need to cook the flautas in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the flautas.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking chicken flautas for 8 minutes, while another recommends cooking ground chicken and cheese flautas for 7 minutes at 400°F. It is also important to note that some air fryers will prompt you to flip the flautas halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Tips for Making Flautas in an Air Fryer

When making flautas in an air fryer, it is important to follow the recipe instructions for filling and rolling the flautas. Additionally, to ensure the flautas cook evenly and achieve the desired crispness, it is recommended to:

• Spray the flautas with cooking oil spray before air frying.
• Avoid overfilling the flautas, as this can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to open during cooking.
• Warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space between each flauta for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Flautas Storage and Reheating

Flautas are best served hot and crispy, but they can be tricky to reheat. The tortillas can easily become mushy, so it's important to take some precautions to avoid this.

Firstly, cool leftover flautas before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tortillas soggy. Then, wrap each flauta tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to lock in moisture and prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped flautas in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Leftover flautas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, you can use an oven, microwave, toaster oven, stovetop, or air fryer.

If you're using an oven, preheat to a temperature of 350-400°F. Line an oven-safe tray with aluminium foil and place the flautas on the tray, ensuring they don't overlap. Warm for 5-7 minutes, then flip and repeat.

For a microwave, place the flautas on a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap or another bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, and add a little more time if needed.

To reheat in a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F and arrange the flautas on a microwave-safe dish. You can cover them or not, but covering helps them heat evenly. Reheat for about 4-5 minutes.

For stovetop reheating, place a non-stick pan over medium heat and warm for 2 minutes. You can add a little oil, but this may dry out the flautas. Place the flautas in the pan and heat for 2-3 minutes before turning them over.

Finally, to reheat in an air fryer, preheat to 350°F and place the flautas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overlapping. Set the timer for 3-4 minutes and enjoy!

Flautas Dips and Sides

Flautas are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack. They are delicious on their own, but there are also many dips and sides that can complement their flavours.

Guacamole is a popular choice, with its creamy texture and vibrant flavours. It can be made from ripe avocados, lime juice, and cilantro, and customized with additions like diced tomatoes, onions, or mango. Mexican rice, with its rich tomato base and spices, is another excellent side dish that balances the flavours of flautas. For a creamy, protein-rich option, consider refried beans. Elote, or grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and spices, adds a smoky, rich dimension to the meal.

Pico de gallo, a fresh tomato salsa, brings zesty brightness to the table. If you're looking for something sweet and crispy to contrast the savoury flautas, churros are a perfect choice. They can be served with various dips like chocolate or caramel for a delightful dining experience. For a warm and flavourful complement, tortilla soup is a great option, packed with tomatoes, corn, and beans.

Other sides that go well with flautas include cucumber salad, Mexican street corn salad, avocado salad, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently asked questions