High-Protein Steak & Cheese Taquitos with Chipotle Ranch | Air Fryer Recipe

Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Steak & Cheese Taquitos

These Air Fryer Steak & Cheese Taquitos are crispy, high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with bold flavor. They’re perfect for meal prep, post-workout recovery, or a healthier game day snack — all finished off with a creamy chipotle ranch dip.

Looking for a healthy twist on taquitos? These air fryer steak and cheese taquitos are low-carb, high-protein, and ready in under 25 minutes — complete with a creamy chipotle ranch sauce for dipping.

Want to level up your meal prep game? Read Unlock the Power of Meal Prep to learn how protein and fiber keep you satisfied longer.

 🛒 Ingredients

What You’ll Need for Steak & Cheese Taquitos

For the Taquitos

• 16 oz Lean Sirloin Steak (453g)

• 9 Whole wheat tortilla wrap (174g)

• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (15g)

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (6g)

• 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning (9g)

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (1g)

• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (1g)

• 1/4 tsp Cumin (1g)

• 1/4 tsp Salt (2g)

• 1/4 cup Diced Green Chiles (38g)

• 70g Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese (70g)

• 30g Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (30g)

• Cooking Spray

For the Chipotle Ranch Sauce

• 300g Nonfat Greek Yogurt (300g)

• 50ml Unsweetened Almond Milk (50ml)

• 2 tbsp Ranch Seasoning (22g)

• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder (10g)

• 1 tbsp Onion Powder (7g)

• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (1g)

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (1g)

• 1 tbsp Lime Juice (15g)

• 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped (1g)

🔪 Instructions

How to Make High-Protein Taquitos in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

1. Marinate & Cook the Lean Steak (This step builds bold flavor into the steak and keeps these taquitos juicy, tender, and performance-friendly.)

• In a small bowl, mix lime juice, minced garlic, taco seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.

• Rub the seasoning mix all over the sirloin tip steak or top round steak. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge (optional but enhances flavor).

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

• Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips or small pieces.

2. Prepare the Filling (This filling is loaded with high-quality protein and lower-fat cheese — perfect for recovery and satisfying hunger.)

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced lean steak, diced green chiles, reduced-fat cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Taquitos (These tortilla taquitos crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, no deep frying required.)

• Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Lay a low-carb tortilla (or egg white wrap) on a flat surface.

• Place 2-3 tbsp of the steak mixture in the center of each tortilla.

• Roll tightly into a taquito shape and place seam-side down. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

4. Cook the Taquitos (These taquitos are done in under 12 minutes and make an excellent high-protein snack or meal prep option.)

• Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray for crispiness.

• Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

• Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the taquitos from the air fryer and let them cool for 2 minutes.

• Serve warm with the Chipotle Ranch Sauce for dipping!

This recipe fits right into a protein-focused lifestyle. Explore more strategies for Unleashing the Potential of High-Protein Diets.

📊 Nutrition Section

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – 2 Taquitos + 2 tbsp Sauce)

Curious how to time your protein intake for recovery? Learn more in Maximizing Protein and Fiber Timing.