Air Fryer Chicken Flautas or Taquitos
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Crispy, crunchy and always easy to make, these air fryer chicken flautas or taquitos are sure to please. They’re usually served as an appetizer or snack if you eat just one, but seriously these can be a full meal. Add 2-3 of these air fryer chicken taquitos topped with guacamole and sour cream for a satisfying Mexican dinner.
What’s the Difference Between Taquitos and Flautas?
What are flautas or taquitos? This is a great questions! It’s all about the tortillas. Generally taquitos are made with corn tortillas and flautas are with flour tortillas. These rolled goodies are so loved that regardless of what tortilla you use, it’s always amazing. Here’s what Wikipedia says: “A taquito, tacos dorados, rolled taco, or flauta is a Mexican food dish that typically consists of a small rolled-up tortilla that contains filling, including beef, cheese or chicken. The filled tortilla is then crisp-fried or deep-fried. The dish is often topped with condiments such as sour cream and guacamole.”
Best Tortilla to use? Corn or Flour?
Whether you use corn tortillas or flour tortillas, these crispy Mexican chicken rolls are always great. So for the tortillas if you are used to eating flour, then use flour tortillas. And vice versa: if you love the flavor of corn tortillas, then certainly go for those! Best part about corn tortillas is that you have a choice between white corn or yellow corn.
- Potential issues with corn tortillas: They are hard to roll without breaking or tearing because they can be stiff and dry.
- How to Soften the corn tortillas: We like to quickly soften them in a little warm oil on the pan. Don’t fry the corn tortillas for too long or else they will fall apart. Just a few seconds in a little hot oil on each side of the tortilla will make it soft enough for you to roll the filling.
- Keep the corn tortillas from un-rolling: we like to use a toothpick to keep the rolls from coming apart. Just make sure to remember to remove them before eating!
How Long to Air Fry Chicken Flautas?
When you’re cooking these start with a small batch first to see what the best timing is for your preferred texture. Brands differ so much on the size, so if they’re thicker they might take longer to cook. Also, if you like your flautas a little more soft, then reduce timing so they’re not as crisp. Check out our list of air frying tips below.
Video: Air Fryer Chicken Flautas or Taquitos
Tips for Air Frying Chicken Flautas
- For quick pre-cooked chicken use some rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. Canned chicken quite delicious, tender and ready to use.
- Flour tortillas are easy to roll but if you’re using corn tortillas, ready our suggestions above in the article about pre-frying the tortillas quickly.
- Add extra cheese if you like in the chicken mixture.
- Don’t roll them too big or else they would be like a burrito. There’s nothing wrong with that but just know you’ll get less rolls if you roll them really thick.
- All air fryer chicken taquito recipe details are in the recipe box below.
Air Fryer Chicken Flautas or Taquitos
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) finely shredded cooked chicken , roasted or rotisserie chicken or drained canned cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream , or cream cheese or greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) taco seasoning
- 4-6 flour or corn tortillas (about 5—7 inch sized)
- Oil for spraying
Topping Ideas:
- Guacamole, Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage, Salsa or Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Cotija or Cheddar Cheese, Hot Sauce, Wedges of Lime
Equipment
- Oil Sprayer optional
Instructions
- In bowl combine chicken, sour cream (or cream cheese/greek yogurt), taco seasoning and cheese. Stir to combine.
If Using Flour Tortillas:
- Preheat air fryer at 380°F/193°C for about 5 minutes.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of chicken filling on near edge of each tortilla and roll tightly. Or divide the filling between the tortillas.
- Skewer the flautas with a toothpick to keep them from unrolling.
- Spray or brush light layer of oil over flautas.
- Gently place taquitos side by side in a single layer in the air fryer basket/tray (cook in batches if needed). Leave a little space between the rolls. Check for dry spots on the tortillas and spray or brush with oil if needed.
- Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for about 5-6 minutes. Gently turn flautas over, spray or brush again with a light layer of oil if the tortillas look dry.
- Continue to Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for another 3-5 minutes or until the flautas are crispy.
- Remove all the toothpicks. Allow the flautas to cool and bit and enjoy!
- Allow to cool slightly and serve with your favorite toppings.
If Using Corn Tortillas Soften For Rolling
- Preheat air fryer at 400°F/205°C for about 5 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a a tablespoon or so of oil and then add a corn tortilla to the pan. Warm each side of tortilla for several seconds to until warmed and softened. Repeat for the remaining tortillas, adding more oil as needed.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of chicken filling on near edge of each tortilla and roll tightly. Or divide the filling between the tortillas.
- Skewer the taquitos with a toothpick to keep them from unrolling.
- Gently place taquitos side by side in a single layer in the air fryer basket/tray (cook in batches if needed). Leave a little space between the rolls. Check for dry spots on the tortillas and spray or brush with oil if needed.
- Air Fry at 400°F/205°C for about 6-8 minutes. Gently turn taquitos over, spray or brush again with a light layer of oil if the tortillas look dry.
- Continue to Air Fry at 400°F/205°C for about 3-5 minutes or until the taquitos are crispy. If your air fryer cooks hot, you might only need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Remove toothpicks and allow chicken taquitos to cool a bit.
If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
How to Air Fry Frozen Flautas?
Frozen and pre-cooked flautas are great for air frying. All you need to do is to heat them up and add your favorite toppings. Here’s our how to make air fryer frozen flautas article.
Topping ideas for flautas and taquitos:
The fun part about eating flautas or taquitos are all the topping options. Add what ever you like and make these customized to your preferred flavors. From different types of salsas, to pico, to hot sauces it’s always fun to customize these air fried smash tacos. Here’s some of our favorite taco toppings:
- We love salsa verde! It’s a tangy flavor and we love the bright green colors.
- You always gotta have quacamole and sour cream.
- Hot sauces are what take taquitos and flautas to another level!
- Different types of cheeses, including queso.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh lettuce on top
Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
- check out our super easy air fryer enchiladas recipe using frozen flautas
- air fryer tortilla pizzas
- Parmesan corn on the cob in the air fryer
- smash tacos in the air fryer a viral tik tok recipe sensation
2 Comments on “Air Fryer Chicken Flautas or Taquitos”
This recipe was perfect for a quick appetizer for my get-together today. Everyone loved it.
Wow, what a great recipe and the kids loved helping. We prefer it with the flour tortillas and our air fryer was able to cook them in 3 batches. These will be great for my Super Bowl party.