These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Flautas are a fun and tasty treat! Made with soft tortillas wrapped around seasoned chicken, they’re quick to whip up and packed with flavor.
I love how easy they are to make, and they come out perfectly crunchy! Pair them with some guacamole or salsa, and you’re ready for a delicious snack or meal. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for a quick meal. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey if you have it on hand. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting with black beans or shredded zucchini.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are both delicious choices. If you’re in the mood for something spicier, pepper jack can add a nice kick. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re out, you can swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are must-haves for flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like chili powder or taco seasoning for a different twist.
How Can I Perfectly Roll My Flautas?
Rolling flautas can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof method. Start with warmed tortillas, as they’re more pliable. Place the mixture in the center and leave about an inch of space on the sides.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla to cover the filling.
- Roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, making sure the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Use toothpicks to secure the ends if you’re worried about them unrolling!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t stress if your first few don’t look perfect. They’ll still taste amazing!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Flautas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Flautas:
- 8-10 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. In total, you can have delicious, crispy flautas ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well with a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly blended. This flavorful filling will be the star of your flautas!
2. Roll the Flautas:
Take a flour tortilla and place a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the edges as you go, to form a flauta. Make sure it’s nice and snug! Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until everything is rolled up.
3. Air Frying the Flautas:
Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly spray the flautas with cooking spray on all sides. This helps them get that nice golden and crispy finish. Place the flautas in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding—this ensures they cook evenly. If you have too many, you may need to cook them in batches.
4. Cooking to Perfection:
Air fry the flautas for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through to make sure they crisp up nicely on all sides. When they’re ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm flautas with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy your delicious air fryer chicken flautas with family and friends!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred the chicken and use it in place of any cooked chicken you have. It will add extra flavor and save you time!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. They will provide a similar creaminess. If using Greek yogurt, you may want to reduce the amount slightly to avoid making the filling too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Flautas?
Store any leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to help restore their crispiness.
Can I Freeze the Flautas Before Cooking?
Yes! You can freeze assembled but uncooked flautas. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, remove from the freezer and air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
