There’s something about fajitas that instantly brings the fiesta to the table. The sizzling sound of the chicken and vegetables, the burst of flavors from spices, and the vibrant colors of peppers and onions all combine to create a delicious and satisfying meal. But what if I told you that you could make fajitas in a fraction of the time and with less mess? Enter the Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas—a quick, easy, and healthier take on a classic favorite. These fajitas are ready in under 20 minutes, with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken and tender-crisp veggies, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly the air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal.
I’ve been a fajita fan for as long as I can remember, and while I love the traditional method of cooking them on a sizzling skillet, sometimes I just want a quick, no-fuss option without sacrificing any of the flavor. That’s where the air fryer comes in. It crisps the veggies just right while keeping the chicken tender and juicy, all without needing much oil. Plus, the air fryer makes clean-up a breeze—no need to wash multiple pans or deal with splattering oil. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend meal when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but flavorful.
- Healthier: Cooking in the air fryer requires less oil than traditional methods, making this a lighter option without compromising taste.
- Minimal cleanup: Since everything is cooked in the air fryer, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, add your favorite veggies, or make it spicier depending on your preferences.
- Great for meal prep: The chicken and veggies can be prepped ahead of time, making this a convenient recipe for meal prepping or easy leftovers.
Preparation Time and Servings:
- Total time: 18 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 280
- Protein: 28g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red onion, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions into thin strips. Try to keep the slices uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you prefer thicker pieces of chicken, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Season the fajita mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper over the top. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are well coated with the seasoning. This step ensures that every bite is packed with bold, zesty flavors.
3. Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Preheating helps the air fryer achieve a consistent temperature, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and the veggies crisp up nicely.
4. Air fry the chicken and veggies:
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned chicken, peppers, and onions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the veggies should be tender-crisp with a slight char.
5. Warm the tortillas:
While the chicken and veggies are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a warm oven, or by quickly heating them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and brings out their flavor.
6. Assemble the fajitas:
Once the chicken and veggies are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken and veggie mixture onto each tortilla, then add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty finish.
How to Serve:
- Family-style: Serve all the components separately on a large platter, allowing everyone to build their own fajitas. Lay out the tortillas, chicken, veggies, and toppings so each person can customize their meal.
- As a meal prep option: Divide the chicken and veggie mixture into meal prep containers with a few tortillas on the side. These fajitas reheat well and make for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- With a side salad: Pair these fajitas with a simple green salad or a tangy slaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the fajitas.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the best results, cook the chicken and vegetables in a single layer. If your air fryer is smaller, it’s better to cook in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the veggies from getting that delicious char.
- Cut everything evenly: When slicing the chicken and vegetables, try to keep everything roughly the same size. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate.
- Marinate for extra flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for even more intense flavor.
- Control the heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or by offering hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
- Use frozen veggies: If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the air fryer.
Recipe Variations:
- Steak Fajitas: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak. Follow the same instructions but reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare steak.
- Shrimp Fajitas: Use shrimp instead of chicken! Shrimp cooks faster than chicken, so air fry them for about 6-8 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: For a meatless version, simply double up on the vegetables and add some portobello mushrooms or zucchini to the mix. You can also toss in some black beans or chickpeas for added protein.
- Sheet Pan Fajitas: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe using a sheet pan. Spread the chicken and veggies on a large, greased sheet pan and bake in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: Serve with a side of cilantro lime rice, black beans, or Mexican street corn (elote) for a full meal.
- Beverages: Pair these fajitas with a cold beverage like a refreshing limeade, iced tea, or even a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.
- For kids: Serve with smaller tortillas and let the kids choose their toppings. You can also make a mild version of the fajitas by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggie mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer or on the stovetop before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the chicken and veggies back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Special Equipment:
- Air fryer: Any size air fryer will work for this recipe, but if you have a smaller one, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Tongs: Use tongs to easily toss and transfer the seasoned chicken and veggies in and out of the air fryer basket.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing the chicken and veggies a breeze, ensuring even cooking.
FAQ Section:
- Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for this recipe. Frozen chicken will release too much moisture, which can prevent the veggies from getting crispy in the air fryer.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can still make these fajitas by cooking the chicken and veggies in a large skillet on the stovetop or roasting them on a sheet pan in the oven.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just toss everything in the air fryer for a quick meal.
- How can I make this spicier? Add extra cayenne pepper or serve the fajitas with a side of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you love.
Conclusion:
I’m so excited for you to try these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas! They’re the perfect balance of quick, healthy, and flavorful, with juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and a bold fajita seasoning that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these fajitas are always a hit. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creations—I’d love to see how yours turn out! Enjoy your sizzling, air-fried fajitas!
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Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas have quickly become one of our favorite go-to meals! The first time I made them, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together and how tender the chicken turned out. The vibrant colors of the peppers and onions make the dish look so inviting, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while they cook is simply irresistible. My family devours these fajitas every time, and they love to customize them with their favorite toppings. Whether it’s taco night or just a fun family dinner, these fajitas are always a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced (yellow or red)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Tortillas (flour or corn) for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the Veggies: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the marinated chicken, mixing everything together until the veggies are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Fajitas: Place the chicken and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small). Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove the chicken fajitas from the air fryer and serve immediately in warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
