Easy Creamy Chicken Flautas are a perfect combination of flavorful chicken and a cozy tortilla. They can be served as an appetizer, snack, lunch, or dinner. They are lightly crispy on the outside and filled with delicious flavors.
What are Flautas?
Flautas are a type of Tex-Mex dish that involves rolling a filling inside of a tortilla shell and then frying it. While they originated in Mexico, they now form an integral part of Texan cuisine due to the large Mexican population in Texas. Flautas have become increasingly popular among Americans as they are both flavorful and filling.
Our flautas offer excellent flavor and heat, but with 50% less oil for fewer calories. They provide protein and fiber and make for a delicious snack or meal accompaniment. Perfect for the family dinner table, office lunchroom, or on-the-go snacking – you can enjoy their delicious taste anytime.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- Olive oil or canola oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Cut the chicken thighs into small cubes and add them to the bowl with the spices. Mix until all of the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and cream cheese until combined.
5. Take a flour tortilla and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on it.
6. Place some of the chicken cubes in the center of the tortilla and roll it up into a cylinder shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken cubes until all of them are filled.
8. Spritz the flautas with some oil spray and place them in the air fryer.
9. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the flautas in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if desired.
- Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein.
Flautas vs. Taquitos – What’s the Difference?
Food lovers may have noticed the similarity between taquitos and flautas, particularly when found on restaurant menus. Although both are tacos filled with savory ingredients and then cooked until crispy, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
The most dramatic difference between the two is the type of tortilla used to make them. Usually, flautas are made with 10-inch or 12-inch flour tortillas while taquitos are made with 6-inch or 8-inch corn tortillas instead.
It is also easy to distinguish them visually as flautas will be cone-shaped while taquitos look like even cylinders. In terms of texture, taquitos tend to be crispier than flautas due to using corn tortillas which hold up better at high temperatures.
Fried vs baked flautas
Flautas, a popular Mexican finger food, are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. Traditionally, flautas are deep fried so they have a crispy crunch and big flavor. But the downside to deep frying is that it requires cooking in hot oil which can add a lot of calories and fat to the dish. Air frying and baking the flautas are healthier options but they compromise on texture.
Deciding between fried and baked flautas is basically a trade off between taste and health benefits. Fried versions will of course be more flavorful with an undeniable crunch, while baking leaves foods like flautas with less fat.
Some tips for healthier eating include opting for healthy recipes by substituting or adding fresh ingredients, reducing oil usage if you do fry, and paying attention to portion size when cooking or eating out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are flautas, and how are they different from other Mexican dishes like tacos or burritos?
A: Flautas are a Mexican dish consisting of rolled tortillas filled with various ingredients, typically meat, and then fried until crispy. They differ from tacos by being tightly rolled and fried, creating a crispier texture compared to the soft shell of a taco.
Q2: Why use an air fryer to make flautas?
A: An air fryer provides a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still achieving a crispy texture. It uses hot air circulation to cook the flautas evenly, reducing the need for excess oil and making the dish lighter.
Q3: Can I use store-bought tortillas for making flautas in the air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought tortillas for convenience. Corn or flour tortillas work well. If they are too stiff, consider warming them slightly before filling to prevent cracking during rolling.
Q4: What is the recommended cooking time and temperature for flautas in the air fryer?
A: Preheat the air fryer to around 375°F and cook the flautas for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time based on your air fryer model and desired crispiness.
Q5: What are some popular fillings for flautas, and can they be customized based on dietary preferences?
A: Common fillings include shredded chicken, beef, or beans. You can customize flautas with a variety of ingredients like cheese, guacamole, or salsa. They can be adapted to dietary preferences, making them suitable for vegetarian or vegan options.
Conclusion
Flautas are delicious Mexican finger food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Air frying and baking flautas are healthier options than deep frying, but they may not have the same crunchy texture as fried versions.
When deciding between fried and baked flautas, it is important to consider both taste and health benefits. Additionally, you can add additional spices or herbs to the chicken or beef filling to give the flautas more flavor.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
