Air fryer Chicken Fajitas are a quick and easy meal you can make any time, without babysitting the stove. Made with bell peppers, chicken breast strips, and Fajita seasoning, I love how they turn out juicy and tender with golden char and a slight outer crisp.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajita - Quick and Easy Meal
Making Chicken Fajitas in the air fryer is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. All you have to do is marinate the chicken, chop the vegetables, and toss them in the air fryer. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook. The best part is that there is little prep work involved, so you can sit back and relax while your air fryer does the cooking.
I love how versatile the Air Fryer Fajitas recipe is. It can be adapted to fit any dietary needs. You can use any type of protein like beef, shrimp, or tofu, or you can make it vegetarian, with Air Fryer Peppers & Onions. Moreover, you can add any vegetables of your choice like Bell Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms. It's a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. It’s one of my favorite ways to sneak some veggies into my diet.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card with ingredients and nutrition information at the bottom of this post. Gather the following simple ingredients for this mouthwatering dish:
To make air fryer fajitas, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips, onions, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices, such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Or you can use a ready-made Fajita seasoning blend.
The beauty of using an air fryer for this meal is that it cooks the chicken and vegetables perfectly while still keeping them juicy and tender. After just a few minutes of prep time and cooking, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.
Directions
Prep your ingredients. Choose fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions. I chose one green bell pepper and half red pepper for color. You can use either orange or red peppers, or sweet peppers. I also added one medium Jalapeno for a spicy kick.
Chicken: Select lean chicken meat, such as breast or thigh meat. You can also use chicken tenders. Choose organic, if possible. Slice both, chicken and vegetables, into thin strips, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. Please see the photo below.
Season Your Fajitas. Next, season your fajitas. You can use a Fajita Seasoning mix that is found in a spice aisle of the supermarket. Or you can use a mix of spices that complement the flavors of your vegetables and chicken. Include in the Homemade Fajita mix one teaspoon of each: cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, oregano, and salt & pepper to taste.
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything together in a bowl until the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step is essential to add flavor and also make the vegetables tender in the air fryer. See the photo below.
Tip: Although it is optional, I recommend placing your freshly seasoned chicken and veggie mix (covered) in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can absorb.
Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, add your fajitas directly to the air fryer basket (or tray). Sometimes I choose to lay a piece of parchment paper over the air fryer basket. This step is optional and I find that it makes cleaning much easier.
Spread the seasoned vegetables and chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding and make sure every part of the fajita is touching the surface of the basket. See the picture above.
How long to cook Fajitas in the Air fryer? Close the air fryer basket and let the fajitas cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket (or turn fajitas) every 5 minutes to help the vegetables and chicken cook evenly. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken to ensure no pink in the middle. Timing will depend on the size and thickness of your fajitas. After you remove the fajitas, let them rest for a couple of minutes.
How to Serve
My favorite is to make Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla. Top your fajitas with a squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and diced avocados. And don't forget the tortillas! I love to place chicken fajitas on one half of a soft tortilla, top it with cheese, close the second half over, and cook it in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes per side. Crispy & cheesy perfection! Here's the Chicken Quesadillas in the Air Fryer recipe.
What to Do with Leftover Chicken Fajitas
Besides transforming them into a filling for quesadillas, another idea is to turn them into a southwest-inspired pasta dish. Add fajita leftovers to a plate of al dente noodles along with some fresh veggies and a touch of cream sauce. This will create a whole new meal.
Fajita stuffed peppers! Simply slice open some bell peppers and stuff them with seasoned chicken, onions, and peppers. Bake at 400F on air fry mode until tender (about 10 minutes) and enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. Add the cheese to melt in the last 3 minutes.
I often like to turn my fajitas into a salad, layering strips of chicken and veggies over a bed of greens and topping with a zesty dressing. My favorite is Homemade Chipotle sauce.
Make fajita tacos by swapping out the tortillas for crunchy taco shells.
Can I Freeze Leftover Fajitas?
Yes! Freezing leftover chicken fajitas is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Place the leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. I sometimes portion out my chicken fajitas and store them for an easy meal prep. They are time-saver during those busy weekdays.
When you're ready to enjoy them, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes stirring them halfway. You've got a delicious and easy meal ready to go. So the next time you make chicken fajitas, don't hesitate to freeze the leftovers for later or meal prep.
Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Air fryer Chicken Fajitas
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast Or chicken tederloins, cut into thin strips.
- 1 Medium onion Sweet, yellow or red onions, cut into thin strips
- 1 Bell Pepper Green
- ½ Bell Pepper red or Orange, for color
- 1 Jalapeno chopped, optional
- 3 tablespoons Fajita seasoning mix or below see how to make your own
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients. Choose fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions. I chose one green bell pepper and half red pepper for color. You can use either orange or red peppers, or sweet peppers. I also added one medium Jalapeno for a spicy kick.Chicken: Select lean chicken meat, such as breast or thigh meat. You can also use chicken tenders. Choose organic, if possible. Slice everything into thin strips, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Season Your Fajitas. Next, season your fajitas. You can use a Fajita Seasoning mix that is found in a spice aisle of the supermarket. Or you can use a mix of spices that complement the flavors of your vegetables and chicken. Include in the mix one teaspoon of each: cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, oregano, and salt & pepper to taste. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything together in a bowl until the seasonings are evenly distributed. This step is essential to add flavor and also make the vegetables tender in the air fryer. See the photo below.Tip: Although it is optional, I recommend placing your freshly prepared chicken fajita mix (covered) in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can absorb.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, add your fajitas directly to the air fryer basket (or tray). Sometimes I choose to lay a piece of parchment paper over the air fryer basket. This step is optional and I find that it makes cleaning much easier.Spread the seasoned vegetables and chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding and make sure every part of the fajita is touching the surface of the basket. See the picture above.
- Cook Your Chicken Fajitas for 10-12 Minutes. Close the air fryer basket and let the fajitas cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket (or turn fajitas) every 5 minutes to help the vegetables and chicken cook evenly. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken to ensure no pink in the middle. Timing will depend on the size and thickness of your fajitas. After you remove the fajitas, let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve. Top your fajitas with a squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and diced avocados. And don't forget the tortillas! I love to place chicken fajitas on one half of a soft tortilla, top it with cheese, close the second half over, and cook it in the air fryer at 350F for 3 minutes per side. Crispy & cheesy perfection!
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