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The Recipe · No.436 · Flautas

Flautas, and where to source it

Flautas — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Flautas Mexican 5best2buy.com

Fresh corn tortillas are what crisp up shatteringly instead of cracking, so use good ones. The move that matters is warming the tortillas first so they roll without splitting, then frying seam-side down so they seal shut.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook15 min
Makes12 flautas
CuisineMexican
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 12 flautas
Corn tortillas
Pliable fresh tortillas roll tight and fry into a crisp shell.
12
Shredded chicken
Cooked and seasoned, it packs into a tight cylinder.
2 cups
Cotija cheese
Crumbled over the top for a salty finish.
3 oz
Crema
Drizzled over the fried flautas to cool the crunch.
1/2 cup
Lettuce
Shredded underneath and over for freshness.
2 cups
Local / market
Avocado
Mashed into a quick guacamole for dipping.
2
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Warm the tortillasHeat tortillas on a dry pan or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave 30 sec until soft and foldable.
  2. RollLay a line of chicken along one edge and roll each tortilla tight into a tube. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  3. FryFry seam-side down in 350F oil until golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 min, turning once.
  4. Drain and topDrain on a rack, then top with lettuce, crema, cotija, and guacamole.
The Toolkit

Deep skillet · Tongs · Wire rack · Toothpicks · Slotted spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Flautas in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze Flautas? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Flautas ahead of time? — Best fresh

Best made close to serving — cut fruit and herbs brown and wilt. Prep the parts ahead and combine at the last minute.

Is Flautas gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Flautas vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.436

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