Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Flautas: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Perfection

Prepare to be amazed by these Quick & Easy Chicken Flautas made in the Air Fryer! They are undeniably delicious, offering a perfect blend of crispy texture and a rich, creamy chicken filling. Forget the bland, premade options – once you experience the superior taste and simple preparation of homemade flautas, you’ll never look back. This recipe comes together incredibly fast, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore. Let’s dive into making these incredible flautas together!

Why These Are The Best Chicken Flautas You’ll Ever Make

These Chicken Flautas are not only incredibly easy to prepare, but their flavor is truly outstanding! We’ve taken a classic favorite and given it a healthier, yet equally delicious twist by utilizing the air fryer. You are going to absolutely fall in love with this Air Fryer Chicken Flautas recipe.

Imagine soft flour tortillas generously filled with the easiest, creamiest Instant Pot shredded chicken mixture (recipe detailed below), then air-fried until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness. The result is a lighter version of traditionally fried flautas, without compromising on that satisfying crunch and savory taste.

For added convenience, if you already have cooked shredded chicken on hand, feel free to use it! This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your schedule, making it perfect for busy individuals and families alike. The key is the flavorful filling and the magic of the air fryer.

The Air Fryer: Your New Kitchen Obsession!

I recently welcomed an Air Fryer into my kitchen, and as my first official post featuring it, I simply have to sing its praises! I honestly don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock or just wasn’t paying attention to everyone raving about how great an air fryer is, but oh man, it absolutely lives up to the hype!

This kitchen appliance is an absolute GAME CHANGER! Foods that traditionally require deep frying now taste just as amazing – crispy on the outside, tender and perfectly cooked on the inside – without the hassle of heating up a pot of oil. This means less mess, fewer calories, and incredible consistency, EVERY SINGLE TIME!

I am not exaggerating when I say everything I’ve made in it has turned out delicious. From golden French fries and perfectly gooey pizza rolls to juicy chicken nuggets and, of course, these fantastic chicken flautas, the results are consistently superb. Even salmon and a variety of vegetables come out perfectly crisped with just the right amount of doneness. If you’re looking to enjoy your favorite crispy foods with less oil and more convenience, an air fryer is a must-have.

Choosing the Best Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

When I was in the market for an Air Fryer, I honestly didn’t do extensive research on every brand out there. The one I initially wanted, a Gourmia model, was unfortunately sold out. However, a happy accident led me to my current favorite!

When I discovered that the renowned Instant Pot brand offered its own Air Fryer Oven, I was immediately intrigued and decided to give it a try. I purchased mine from Target and have been exceptionally pleased with its performance and versatility so far. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, proving itself reliable and efficient for a wide array of dishes.

For those interested, here’s a direct (affiliate) link to shop for the exact model I own on Amazon: Instant Pot Air Fryer!

My recommendation goes beyond just air fryers. I can now officially declare that I believe every kitchen needs two essential appliances: an Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker and an Air Fryer Oven! Together, they make cooking faster, easier, and more delicious than ever before.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Chicken Filling in Your Instant Pot

The secret to these incredibly delicious Quick & Easy Chicken Flautas lies in their rich, flavorful, and incredibly creamy shredded chicken filling. For this recipe, I specifically prepared the chicken in my Instant Pot – a method I highly recommend and one of my absolute favorite ways to cook chicken!

Using the Instant Pot not only saves time but also ensures your chicken comes out perfectly tender and infused with flavor, making it effortlessly easy to shred. This creamy filling is the heart of our flautas, providing a delicious contrast to the crispy tortilla exterior.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Filling Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs)
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle La Victoria Salsa Verde (or your favorite salsa verde)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (adjust to your preference)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, salsa verde, chicken broth, and taco seasoning directly into the Instant Pot insert. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid for optimal flavor infusion.
2. Pressure Cook: Securely lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Manually set the pressure cook time for 20 minutes on high pressure.
3. Release Pressure & Shred: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken until it’s finely textured.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking juices from the Instant Pot. This flavorful liquid will be crucial for the creaminess. Discard any remaining liquid.
5. Finish the Filling: Add the reserved cooking juice and the softened cream cheese to the shredded chicken. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is fully melted and beautifully incorporated, creating a luscious, creamy chicken mixture.

This Instant Pot chicken recipe is not only perfect for filling these flautas but also versatile enough for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a standalone meal. However, if you prefer to use already prepared shredded chicken (whether from a rotisserie chicken or another method), simply heat it through before mixing in the softened cream cheese and a splash of broth or water to achieve that desired creamy consistency.

Tips for Assembling and Air Frying Perfect Flautas

Making these flautas is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your experience:

• Warm Tortillas: Briefly warm your flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or on a dry skillet. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling, ensuring your filling stays put.
• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling can make it hard to roll the flautas tightly and can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. A quarter cup of chicken mixture and a quarter cup of cheese per tortilla is usually perfect.
• Roll Tightly: Roll each tortilla as tightly as possible to prevent them from unraveling in the air fryer.
• Seam Side Down: Always place the flautas seam-side down in the air fryer basket. This helps them stay rolled during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches, placing only as many flautas as can fit in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding prevents even air circulation, leading to less crispy results.
• Light Oil Spray: A light mist of cooking oil spray (like avocado oil or olive oil spray) on the flautas before air frying helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispness.
• Flip Halfway: Flipping the flautas halfway through the cooking time ensures both sides get equally crispy. Many air fryers will even alert you when it’s time to flip!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

These crispy chicken flautas are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite toppings and sides. The classic combination of sour cream and shredded lettuce is always a winner, adding a cool and fresh contrast to the warm, savory flautas.

• Classic Toppings: Beyond sour cream and lettuce, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of creamy guacamole.
• Salsa Bar: Offer a variety of salsas, such as homemade pico de gallo, a zesty salsa verde, or a smoky chipotle salsa, allowing everyone to customize their flautas.
• Cheesy Goodness: A little extra shredded Monterey Jack or cotija cheese sprinkled on top after cooking adds another layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños can elevate the experience.
• Complete Your Meal: Serve your flautas alongside classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad for a truly satisfying dinner.

Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! This recipe can be adapted with ground beef, shredded pork, or even a vegetarian black bean and corn mixture. Adjust the seasonings and cheese to match your preferred flavors.

Like this recipe and want to save it for later? Pin it to Pinterest Here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Flautas

We’ve gathered some common questions to help you master these delicious flautas.

Q: What’s the difference between flautas and taquitos?
A: While often used interchangeably, flautas are traditionally made with larger flour tortillas and rolled, whereas taquitos are typically made with smaller corn tortillas and are also rolled. Both offer that irresistible crispy shell and flavorful filling!

Q: Can I bake these flautas in the oven instead of air frying?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the rolled flautas on a baking sheet, seam side down, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Yes, you can! However, corn tortillas can be a bit more delicate and prone to cracking. Warm them thoroughly before rolling (wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds) to increase their pliability. The cooking time in the air fryer might be slightly shorter.

Q: How do I prevent my flautas from unrolling in the air fryer?
A: The best trick is to place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. A light spray of oil can also help seal the seam. If they are particularly stubborn, you can carefully secure them with a toothpick, just remember to remove it before serving.

Q: Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the creamy chicken filling can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker on the day you plan to serve the flautas.

Q: Are these Air Fryer Chicken Flautas healthy?
A: They are definitely a healthier alternative to deep-fried flautas because they use significantly less oil while still achieving a wonderfully crispy texture. The filling is made with lean chicken, and you can control the amount of cheese and toppings to suit your dietary preferences.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover flautas (which is rare!), proper storage and reheating can ensure they remain delicious.

• Storage: Allow any leftover flautas to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To restore their crispiness, reheat flautas in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.