Try this amazing recipe for Air Fried Refried Bean & Veggie Flautas! Healthy and delicious, this easy recipe is sure to impress both you and anyone you share it with, making for a scrumptious snack or meal.
Delight in these easy air fryer flautas filled with a flavorful and smoky vegan filling. This crispy, satisfying dish is a budget-friendly, plant-based dinner option!
If you love Air Fryer Mexican Food, try my recipe for Air Fryer Queso, Air Fryer Salsa, or Air Fryer Salsa Verde!
Enjoy crispy rolled tortillas stuffed with your favorite fillings, traditionally fried in oil. While I appreciate the classic method, I prefer a less messy approach by using the air fryer, making these a perfect, easy weeknight meal that you can enjoy regularly or serve at your next taco night.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Veggie Flautas
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for excess oil, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave while keeping it healthier.
- Flavorful Fillings: Packed with delicious, smoky chickpea tinga or your choice of veggies, each flauta bursts with flavor, making them a hit for both family dinners and gatherings.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, these flautas can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick snack.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making these flautas a versatile option for everyone.
- Healthier Alternative: By using the air fryer, you can enjoy a beloved fried dish with significantly less fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Fun and Engaging Meal: Serving flautas allows for creativity in the kitchen and provides a fun dining experience, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a casual family meal.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are essential for wrapping the filling; you can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but they may be more delicate.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a rich base; for a lighter option, you can use black beans or pinto beans, mashed or blended until smooth.
- Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, onions, and corn adds flavor and texture; you can substitute any favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms based on what you have on hand.
- Spices: A blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder enhances the flavor; feel free to use taco seasoning or smoked paprika for a different taste profile.
- Oil Spray: A light coating of oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture; you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any non-stick cooking spray you prefer.
- Cheese (optional): Cheese adds a creamy element; for a dairy-free alternative, you can use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese.
How to Make Flautas in the Air Fryer
Prep the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, chopped vegetables, and spices. If using cheese, add it to the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This makes them pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
Fill the Tortillas: Take a tortilla and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Roll it tightly to form a flauta. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. If necessary, secure the ends of the flautas with toothpicks to keep them rolled up during cooking.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the outside of the rolled flautas with oil spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Flautas: Place the flautas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the flautas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Veggie Flautas Recipe Tips
- Use corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making flautas, and they tend to hold up better in the air fryer than flour tortillas.
- Use toothpicks to secure the flautas: To prevent the flautas from unraveling in the air fryer, use toothpicks to secure them before cooking.
- Don’t overfill the flautas: Overfilling the flautas can cause them to burst open during cooking, so it’s best to use only a small amount of filling in each one.
- Brush or spray the flautas with oil: This will help the flautas to crisp up and brown nicely in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer will help ensure the flautas cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Flip the flautas halfway through cooking: Flipping the flautas halfway through the cooking time will help ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
Air Fryer Veggie Flautas Recipe Faqs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas tend to get crispier in the air fryer. If you prefer the texture of flour tortillas, feel free to substitute them.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking? Warm the tortillas before rolling. You can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in a skillet to make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
Can I make these flautas ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the flautas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking and air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What dipping sauces go well with veggie flautas? Popular dipping sauces include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle mayo. You can choose your favorite based on your preferences.
How do I store and reheat leftover flautas? Store leftover flautas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness, or you can use the oven or microwave.
Can I make these flautas vegan? Yes, simply omit or replace any dairy ingredients like cheese with vegan alternatives, and ensure that your refried beans are vegan-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables or beans to the filling? Definitely! You can add black beans, corn, spinach, or any other veggies you like. The filling is very versatile, so feel free to customize it.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
- Air Fryer Texas Toast
- Easy Air Fryer Focaccia bread
- Air Fryer Sandwich Bread
Air Fried Refried Bean and Veggie Flautas
Description
Ingredients
- 8 Flour Tortillas, or Corn Tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups Refried Beans
- 1 cup Vegetables, e.g., bell peppers, onions, corn, or zucchini
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Cheese, Shredded cheese of your choice (e.g., cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free cheese)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, chopped vegetables, and spices. If using cheese, add it to the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This makes them pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
- Take a tortilla and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Roll it tightly to form a flauta. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- If necessary, secure the ends of the flautas with toothpicks to keep them rolled up during cooking.
- Lightly spray the outside of the rolled flautas with oil spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the flautas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the flautas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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LK
This looks good but I have a question about the onions and peppers. I am assuming you mean 1 cup raw (before cooking)? Since the onions and peppers would cook down, then you would need to start with a larger amount to achieve 1 cup cooked.