Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Chicken Flautas are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! The tender shredded chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty green chilies all come together for the ultimate savory bite. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy that perfectly crisped exterior without all the oil. Plus, they’re customizable with optional spices to suit your taste. Whether for a snack, appetizer, or a fun dinner, these flautas are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz canned diced green chilies
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional, will add a little spice)
- 12 flour tortillas (fajita-sized, 6”)
- Oil spray
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, diced red bell pepper, diced green chilies, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and chipotle chili powder (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the flautas: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly to form flautas, securing the filling inside.
- Prepare the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the flautas: Arrange the rolled-up flautas in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops of the flautas with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the flautas from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 flautas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add extra chipotle chili powder or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicier version.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap out Monterey Jack for cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Vegetarian: Use black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables as a filling in place of the chicken.
- Dipping sauces: Try different dipping sauces like spicy ranch, cilantro-lime crema, or salsa verde to change up the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp again, or heat them in a regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas. However, they are more delicate than flour tortillas, so they may need to be warmed first to prevent cracking.
Can I make these flautas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the flautas in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make these flautas less greasy?
The air fryer gives a crisp texture without excess oil. If you’re using the oven, make sure to lightly spray the flautas with oil to achieve that crispy texture without being greasy.
How can I make these flautas spicier?
For more heat, add more chipotle chili powder, jalapeños, or a spicy hot sauce to the filling.
Can I bake these flautas instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
How do I prevent the flautas from falling apart?
Make sure to roll the tortillas tightly and use enough filling to avoid them opening up during cooking. Lightly spray the tops with oil to help hold them together.
Can I freeze these chicken flautas?
Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer bag. To cook from frozen, air fry at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What other fillings can I use for flautas?
You can use ground beef, shredded beef, or even a vegetarian mix of beans and cheese for a different variation.
Can I use homemade shredded chicken?
Yes, homemade shredded chicken works great in this recipe! You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken flautas?
Some great dipping sauces include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy chipotle mayo.
Conclusion
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Flautas are the perfect combination of crispy and savory, with a melt-in-your-mouth filling. Quick and easy to make, these flautas are a fantastic appetizer or meal, offering a healthier, less oily alternative to traditional deep-fried options. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a weeknight dinner, these flautas are sure to become a family favorite.
Print
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Flautas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Flautas are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Packed with tender shredded chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty green chilies, they offer a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Perfect as an appetizer or fun dinner!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
1 red bell pepper, diced
8 oz canned diced green chilies
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
For the Flautas:
12 flour tortillas (fajita-sized, 6”)
Oil spray
Instructions
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Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, red bell pepper, green chilies, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and chipotle chili powder (optional).
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Assemble the flautas: Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla and roll them up tightly.
-
Prepare the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
-
Cook the flautas: Place the rolled flautas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Spray the tops with oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Serve: Once crispy and golden, remove from the air fryer and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
Adjust the heat by adding more chipotle chili powder or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.
For a different flavor, use a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend.
Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
