Flautas – tortillas filled with tender meat, cheese, salsa, and then fried (or air-fried) to crispy golden perfection! Great appetizer, dinner and even freezer friendly.

We all know that Mexican flavors are my favorite and I think Mexican food should be its own food group. For years, whenever we would go to a new Mexican restaurant, if there were flautas on the menu, it is what I would order every time. It was how I gaged if the place was any good.

Sometimes they would only have Taquitos, so that had to be my guide. But either way, they are super simple and easy to make, so if they are done poorly, you know maybe that place isn’t the best.

 

What Is A Flauta?

Flauta is a Mexican word that translates to “little flutes” In Mexico they are corn tortillas that are filled and rolled up, into a long thin shape like a flute. Then they are fried to crispy perfection!

In the United States flautas are a flour tortilla that is filled with meat (usually beef or chicken), cheese, and then fried until it is golden and crispy. They are not filled super full, so you get a long and skinny, crispy tortilla. It is often served with condiments like sour cream or guacamole for dipping.

Because of their size you can serve them as an appetizer or even a main dish. Serving 2-3 of these along with a side and you have a dinner everyone will love!

What Is A Flauta Vs Taquito

Again, what it means in Mexico vs the United States is different. In Mexico Taquito just means “little taco” so it is a small corn tortilla that is rolled and fried. Very similar to a flauta, just smaller. But in the United States, restaurants usually differentiate by the tortilla used.

A flauta uses a flour tortilla and taquito uses a corn tortilla. You will see some places uses the terms interchangeably, but lots of restaurants and even frozen versions use that distinction. The filling can be the same, they are both fried and great dipped in sour cream or salsa.

Are Flautas Rolled Tacos?

Essentially yes, they are. Rolled tacos are just a tortilla that is filled with meat and cheese and then rolled and fried. You can use either a flour or corn tortilla, so taquitos and flautas are both basically rolled tacos.

What You’ll Need

• Tortillas – Flour if you want the US version, Corn if you want the Mexican version
• Shredded chicken
• Taco Seasoning
• Salsa
• Green Chilies
• Cheese
• Oil for Frying

Traditionally these are fried in a little oil to get them nice and crispy, but they work great in the air fryer as well. I have instructions for that in the recipe card below, so if that is what you are looking for be sure to scroll to the bottom.

How To Make Flautas

1. It is best to warm your tortillas in a towel before you start, so they are nice and soft and don’t crack when you roll them.
2. Mix together your shredded chicken, taco seasoning green chilies, salsa, and cheese until everything is evenly combined.
3. Add the filling to each tortilla and gently roll up tightly, place them seam side down on a plate or baking sheet while you roll all of them.
4. Heat your oil over medium high heat. Once it is about 360º F add 5-6 flautas, depending on the side of your pan.
5. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping gently to get all sides nice and golden. Once they are crispy, place them on a paper towel lined plate.
6. Let cook for about 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• These are great to make ahead. I like to make my own and then freeze them, so they are similar to the ones you buy at the store. Let them cool completely and then store in an airtight container or freezer safe bag. Then you can heat them in the oven, toaster oven or even air fryer to serve.
• Get creative with your filling. I like to use rotisserie chicken because it is very easy! But you could make the filling for Instant Pot Chicken Tacos and then skip the taco seasoning and salsa in the recipe. Or you could use the Pork Taco Filling. Or if you have a shredded beef like Slow Cooker Italian Beef it even works with that. Even regular ground taco meat is a great filling.
• Make sure you warm your tortillas before you start assembling. This will stop them from cracking and falling apart as you fill and roll them up.

What Goes With Flautas

These are great to serve with dips or even as a main dish with your favorite Mexican side dishes.

• Instant Pot Spanish Rice
• Refried Beans
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Chili’s Salsa Recipe
• Café Rio Dressing (makes a great dip!)

Can I Use My Air Fryer

Absolutely! If you want to avoid frying, you can definitely cook these in the air fryer. Brush them with a little bit of oil and then place a single layer in the basket of the air fryer and cook on 400º for about 5-6 minutes per side. Just keep an eye on them until they are nice and golden brown.

More Tasty Mexican Recipes

• Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Air Fryer Tacos
• Taco Spaghetti
• Wet Burrito
• Potato Tacos
• Mexican Pizza
• Baja Shrimp Tacos
• Taco Stuffed Peppers

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