Flautas are a popular Tex-Mex appetizer consisting of filled fried corn tortillas. They are often filled with shredded chicken, beef, or beans and cheese. Flautas make a tasty party snack, but what about eating the leftovers the next day? Here is a quick overview of whether flautas are still good to eat the day after they are made.
Quick Answer
Yes, flautas can be very good the next day and even up to 3-4 days later if stored properly. The key is to cool them quickly after frying and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating them in the oven or air fryer will help restore their crispness. Flautas keep well due to their crispy fried exterior and the fillings being thoroughly cooked. With proper storage, flautas will remain fresh tasting and safe to eat.
How Long Do Flautas Last?
The shelf life of leftover flautas depends on a few key factors:
Ingredients
Flautas made with cooked fillings like shredded chicken, ground beef, or refried beans will last longer than raw fillings. Raw veggies or cheese have higher moisture content and will cause flautas to go stale faster.
Storage Method
Air-tight storage is very important for preserving the crispness of the tortilla exterior. Zip-top bags, food storage containers, or wrapping in foil all help prevent moisture loss.
Refrigeration Temperature
Storing flautas in the fridge close to 40°F will maximize freshness. The colder the better for slowing down spoilage.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4-6 hours |
| Refrigerator (40°F) | 3-4 days |
| Freezer (0°F) | 2-3 months |
As shown in the table, proper refrigeration at 40°F allows leftover flautas to last 3-4 days before quality starts to decline.
How to Store Leftover Flautas
Follow these tips for storing leftover flautas to maintain texture and flavor:
Cool Quickly
Don’t let flautas sit out at room temperature after cooking. The heat will continue cooking the interior, making it soggy. Cool flautas down within 2 hours, preferably within 1 hour. Spreading them out on a baking sheet accelerates cooling.
Use Airtight Containers
Once cooled, transfer flautas to a rigid food storage container, zip-top bag with the air pressed out, or wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. The airtight seal prevents moisture loss.
Refrigerate Promptly
Get cooled flautas into the fridge within that 2 hour window. Refrigeration at 40°F or below puts the brakes on bacteria growth.
Use Within 3-4 Days
For best quality and safety, eat leftover flautas within 3 to 4 days. Discard them if they become soggy or smell bad. Frozen flautas can last 2-3 months.
Reheating Flautas
The ideal reheating methods restore crispy texture:
Oven
Place flautas on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until hot and sizzling. The dry heat crisps up the tortilla.
Air Fryer
Air fry leftover flautas at 380°F for 4-6 minutes to make the tortillas crispy again. Spray with oil for added crispness.
Skillet
Pan frying in a hot oiled skillet recrisps the tortilla exterior. Just 1-2 minutes per side.
Microwave
Microwaving is quick but won’t restore crispness. Heat flautas in 30 second bursts until hot.
Avoid steaming or boiling methods which will make the tortillas soggy. Focus on dry heat for that signature crispy bite.
How to Tell if Flautas are Bad
Check flautas for these signs of spoilage before eating:
Mold
Discard moldy flautas. Mold can penetrate deep into the filling where it’s unseen. Mold means bacteria has multiplied.
Off Smell
Refrigeration slows but doesn’t stop bacteria growth. A foul, sulfurous, or rotten smell means flautas are past safe eating.
Sliminess
The fillings turning slick or oozing out of the tortilla indicates bacterial spoilage. Slimy texture is a warning sign.
Weird Colors
Unnatural colors like blue, green, or black are a red flag for mold and dangerous bacteria like pseudomonas. When in doubt, throw it out.
Rely on your senses. If flautas smell bad, look odd, or feel slimy, don’t take a chance. Safety first.
Flautas Filling Ideas
Flautas are highly adaptable depending on the filling:
Shredded Chicken
Poached, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat makes a moist, flavorful filling. Season simply with salt and pepper.
Ground Beef
Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and diced onions for a tasty Tex-Mex style filling. Drain excess grease.
Refried Beans
Well-seasoned refried or whole pinto beans work nicely. Can be vegetarian without cheese.
Cheese
Ooey-melty shredded cheese fillings like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or cheddar are crowd-pleasers.
Potatoes
Mashed or diced potatoes seasoned with garlic and chiles make a hearty filler.
Veggies
Roasted or sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini add nutrition.
Chiles
Chopped green chiles, jalapeños, or chipotles bring on the heat.
Mix and match ingredients for personalized flautas. Brush with chimichurri or avocado salsa verde for extra flavor pop.
Conclusion
In summary, flautas can absolutely still taste delicious the day after being prepared as long as you follow proper storage guidelines. Allowing them to cool quickly after frying and refrigerating in an airtight container will extend freshness for up to 3-4 days. Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps restore the tantalizing crisp texture people love about flautas. Pay attention for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. With such flavorful fillings wrapped in crispy tortillas, flautas are worth enjoying again and again.