Flautas Recipe

Shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken, which can be from a rotisserie chicken or homemade.

Shredded cheese: A melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Corn tortillas: Soft tortillas that are pliable enough to roll without breaking.

Oil: Used for frying the flautas until they are golden brown and crispy.

To ensure your flautas are perfectly crispy, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. You can test this by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is ready. If the oil is too cool, the flautas will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it's too hot, they will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.

• shredded chicken - Substitute with shredded turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative.

• shredded chicken - Substitute with shredded beef: Beef provides a richer flavor and can add a different dimension to the dish.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled queso fresco: Queso fresco offers a mild and creamy texture that complements the other ingredients well.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that works well in flautas.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, making them a good alternative.

• corn tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas add a slightly nutty flavor and are a healthier option.

• oil for frying - Substitute with baking spray: Baking spray can be used if you prefer to bake the flautas instead of frying them for a healthier option.

• oil for frying - Substitute with air fryer: Using an air fryer can achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

• Allow the flautas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled flautas in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This helps maintain their crispiness and prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• For short-term storage, refrigerate the flautas for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy again.

• For longer storage, freeze the flautas. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the flautas to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen flautas directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving the flautas as it can make them soggy. Instead, use an oven or toaster oven for reheating.

• If you prefer, you can also reheat the flautas in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help them regain their crispy exterior.

• Serve the reheated flautas with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to enhance their flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the leftover flautas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly brush or spray the flautas with a bit of oil to help them crisp up.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove from the oven once they are hot and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the flautas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  4. Check for crispiness and heat; if needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the flautas in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove once they are hot and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the flautas on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. For added crispiness, you can finish them off in a hot skillet for about 1 minute per side.

• Microwave: Used to heat the tortillas for 30 seconds to make them pliable.

• Frying pan: Used to fry the flautas until they are golden brown and crispy.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the flautas in the frying pan to ensure even cooking.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried flautas.

• Plate: Used to hold the flautas after they are fried and drained.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and oil accurately.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the shredded chicken and cheese before filling the tortillas.

• Spatula: Can be used to help remove the flautas from the frying pan.

• Knife: Useful for shredding the chicken if it is not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding the chicken.

Prepare the filling in advance: Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the flautas.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time. It’s a quick and convenient option.

Microwave multiple tortillas: Heat several tortillas at once in the microwave by stacking them with damp paper towels in between. This makes them pliable faster.

Fry in batches: Fry multiple flautas at once to save time. Just ensure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain crispiness.