These Air Fryer Flautas are ultra crispy on the outside with a savory filling, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snack platters. I make them with flour tortillas, which technically makes them flautas (not taquitos), but you can swap in corn tortillas if that’s what you’ve got.
Packed with flavorful Mexican Fefried Beans and melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden tortilla topped with our delicious Guacamole.
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Flautas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of rolled-up flour tortillas filled with various ingredients. Traditionally deep-fried, these flautas are made healthier by using an air fryer, making them crispy without the excess oil.
If you like this Mexican recipe, you may also love our Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas with Homemade or Canned Refried Beans or our 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: Made in the air fryer, these flautas are crispy without the extra oil.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick snacks. Need a side dish to pair this with? Try our Fire-Roasted Salsa Recipe or Instant Pot Chipotle Pinto Beans.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with various fillings and toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
Air Fryer Flautas Ingredients
- Flour Tortillas: These give the flautas their classic texture. Use fresh tortillas to avoid cracking.
- Refried Beans: Adds a creamy and flavorful base.
- Cheese: A Mexican blend or cheddar works best for a melty, cheesy center.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: Optional but recommended for added depth and spice.
- Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the flautas in the air fryer.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Optional Toppings
- Tomato: Freshly diced for a burst of freshness.
- Red onion: Finely chopped to add a bit of crunch and spice.
- Avocado Guacamole: Made with lime and cilantro for a zesty topping.
- Crema: To taste
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Flautas
Step One: Prepare the Filling and Tortillas
In a bowl, mix the refried beans with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to make them pliable.
Step Two: Assemble the Flautas
Lay a tortilla flat and spread about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture along the center.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the bean mixture.
Step Three: Brush with Oil and Preheat the Air Fryer
Roll up the tortilla tightly and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for all tortillas.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush each flauta with olive oil. Place the flautas seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
Step Four: Air Fry the Flautas
Air fry for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the flautas are golden brown and crispy. Remove the toothpicks (if using) and serve the flautas warm.
Top with crema, avocado guacamole, tomato, onion, and red onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Substitutions & Variations
- Refried Beans: Substitute with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Use any Mexican blend.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used, though they are technically taquitos.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Wrap tortillas in a damp towel to prevent cracking.
❌ DO NOT Overfill. This can cause the flautas to burst open.
Storage
Store air fryer flautas in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze them before frying. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Recipe FAQs
To prevent flautas from unrolling, roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the air fryer basket. You can also use a toothpick to secure the seam if needed. Brushing the seam with oil can help seal them shut during cooking.
Yes, you can freeze air fryer flautas. Assemble the flautas and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook frozen flautas directly in the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
To make flautas crispy in the air fryer, lightly brush or spray them with oil before cooking. Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and arrange the flautas in a single layer without overcrowding.
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Flautas
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Microwave
- Cooking brush
- Toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas or corn for taquitos
- 1 cup Mexican refried beans
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese Pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1 medium tomato diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 cup avocado guacamole with lime and cilantro
- red onion finely chopped (to taste)
- crema or sour cream to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the refried beans with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to make them pliable.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture along the center. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the bean mixture.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush each flauta with olive oil.
- Place the flautas seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the flautas are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the toothpicks and serve the flautas warm. Top with crema (or sour cream), avocado guacamole, tomato, onion, and red onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Refried Beans: Substitute with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Use any Mexican blend.
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