Air-Fried Flautas: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Flautas are a Mexican-style street food that can be made in an air fryer. They are versatile and simple to make, and can be filled with shredded meat, ground beef, or mashed potato or refried beans for a vegetarian option. The tortillas are warmed before being filled and rolled, and then placed in the air fryer to cook until golden brown and crispy. They can be served with a variety of toppings and dips, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Filling options for flautas

Flautas are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for filling options:

Meat Options:

• Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, is a popular choice. You can also use shredded chicken breast or thigh.
• Beef: Try shredded beef, such as pulled beef or barbacoa.
• Pork: Carnitas, pulled pork, or carne asada are great options.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Season the meat with taco or fajita seasoning.

Vegetarian Options:

• Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans add creaminess and texture.
• Vegetables: Cooked sweet potatoes, zucchini, corn, bell peppers, butternut squash, onions, or chayote are tasty options.
• Tofu: Use extra firm tofu and drain it before adding to the filling.

Cheese Options:

• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a kick of flavor.
• Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor.
• Pepper Jack: Flavored with sweet peppers, rosemary, garlic, and chilies for a spicy kick.
• Colby Jack: Similar to Monterey Jack but with a mild, nutty flavor.
• Oaxaca Cheese: Has a mellow, buttery flavor and melts easily.
• Asadero: A cousin of Oaxaca cheese with a creamy, smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.

Other Ingredients:

• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the filling.
• Salsa: Pumps up the flavor and makes the filling juicier. Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preference.
• Green Chilies: Add a can of mild diced green chilies for a subtle kick.
• Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the flavor.

How to roll flautas

To roll flautas, start by laying a tortilla on a flat surface. Add your filling—this can be chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian options like mashed potato or refried beans—in a thin line horizontally across the bottom third of the tortilla.

Next, roll the tortilla up tightly and place it on a plate, seam-side down. Repeat this process until all your flautas are rolled. You can use a small amount of water on the end of the tortilla to help it seal, or stick a toothpick in the tortilla to hold it in place.

If you are using corn tortillas, you may need to heat them first to prevent them from cracking. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel or tea towel and heating them in the microwave for around 30 seconds, or until they are soft and pliable.

Air fryer settings

Step 1: Preheat the Air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking flautas is between 375°F and 400°F. You can go as low as 350°F for corn tortillas, but this may require a slightly longer cooking time. Preheating ensures that your flautas cook evenly and helps to achieve that desirable crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Flautas

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your flautas. Warm your tortillas, and then fill and roll them according to your chosen recipe. This ensures that the filling is evenly distributed and that the flautas stay sealed during cooking.

Step 3: Arrange the Flautas in the Air Fryer

Once your flautas are ready, carefully place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the flautas in batches.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Timer

Now, set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of tortilla and your preferred level of crispiness. For corn tortillas, set the timer for around 7-10 minutes. For flour tortillas, check after 5-6 minutes, as they may cook a little faster.

Step 5: Flip the Flautas

At the halfway point, or when your air fryer indicates, carefully flip your flautas. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time or until your flautas reach the desired level of crispness.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once your flautas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Serve them with your favourite toppings and dips, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese.

By following these air fryer settings and instructions, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy flautas that your family and friends will love!

Dips and toppings

Flautas are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips and toppings. Here are some ideas for dips and toppings to accompany your air-fried flautas:

Dips

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Mexican crema
• Avocado cream sauce
• Cilantro cream sauce
• Queso blanco
• Chili mayo

Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Green onions
• Fresh lime juice
• Pico de gallo
• Hot sauce
• Jalapeños

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of dips and toppings to find your favourite flavour profiles!

Storing and reheating flautas

When you're ready to reheat your flautas, there are several methods you can use:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. Place the flautas on an oven-safe tray lined with aluminium foil, ensuring they don't overlap. Warm for 5-7 minutes, then flip and repeat.
• Microwave: Place the flautas on a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap or another bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, and add more time if needed.
• Toaster oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place the flautas on a microwave-safe dish and cover (optional). Reheat for 4-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place a non-stick pan over the stovetop and warm for 2 minutes. Add a small amount of oil (optional). Place the flautas in the pan and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the flautas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overlapping. Set the timer for 3-5 minutes.

No matter which reheating method you choose, it's important to ensure that your flautas reach an internal temperature of 165°F to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your crispy, tasty flautas!

Frequently asked questions