AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITAS AMAZING

I’ll never forget the summer I tried convincing my picky-eater cousin that bell peppers were basically candy when grilled just right, a quest that ultimately failed until I snuck them into some delicious fajitas. Now, years later, I’ve discovered the magic of using the air fryer to create perfectly cooked, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas in record time. Trust me, this recipe is so easy and delicious that you’ll be amazed at the restaurant-quality results you can achieve right in your own kitchen!

Why Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a Game-Changer

Okay, let’s be real. We all love fajitas. The sizzling sound, the vibrant colors, the customizable toppings… it’s a fiesta in a skillet! But sometimes, the stovetop method can be a bit messy and time-consuming. That’s where the air fryer swoops in to save the day. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Speed: Forget preheating a skillet and babysitting the stovetop. The air fryer cooks everything evenly and quickly. We’re talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
• Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy splatters. The air fryer keeps everything contained, making cleanup a breeze.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The air fryer creates juicy, tender chicken with just the right amount of crispy edges. No more dry, overcooked chicken!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and vegetables to your liking. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
• Healthier: You use less oil compared to traditional skillet cooking, making this a lighter and healthier option.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry.

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless. I prefer to use chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Bell Peppers: 2-3, assorted colors (red, yellow, orange, green). The more colors, the prettier the fajitas!
• Onion: 1 large, sliced. Yellow or white onion works best.
• Fajita Seasoning: 2-3 tablespoons. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below!).
• Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons. For tossing the chicken and vegetables.
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. For a little zing!
• Tortillas: Your favorite kind (flour, corn, or gluten-free).
• Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, cilantro, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

While store-bought fajita seasoning is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sodium and customize the flavor. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. This recipe makes enough for several batches of fajitas!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps for perfect air fryer chicken fajitas every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of fajita seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, similar to the chicken.
4. Toss the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss the bell pepper and onion strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of fajita seasoning.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Air Fry the Vegetables: After the chicken is done, add the bell pepper and onion strips to the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a skillet, microwave, or even in the air fryer for a few seconds.
8. Assemble the Fajitas: Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your air fryer chicken fajitas are a success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chicken and vegetables from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep a close eye on the chicken and vegetables and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Try adding black beans, corn, pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Spice it Up: If you like your fajitas with a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning or use a spicier salsa.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) will result in more flavorful and tender fajitas.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of fajitas is that they’re incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and adaptations to try:

• Shrimp Fajitas: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.
• Steak Fajitas: Use thinly sliced steak instead of chicken. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
• Vegetarian Fajitas: Skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables! Add mushrooms, zucchini, squash, or any other vegetables you like.
• Spicy Fajitas: Add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
• Bell Pepper Substitutes: If you aren’t a fan of bell peppers, try using other vegetables like poblanos or Anaheim peppers.
• Add Some Citrus: Add orange juice or lime zest to your marinade for a zesty twist.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Rice and Beans: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a classic fajita meal.
• Guacamole and Chips: Start with a bowl of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Add a side of Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili for a flavorful and refreshing side dish.
• Salad: Serve on top of a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings for a lighter meal.

What to Do With Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas (which is unlikely!), here are a few ways to use them up:

• Fajita Bowls: Create a fajita bowl with rice, beans, lettuce, and your favorite toppings.
• Fajita Quesadillas: Stuff the leftover chicken and vegetables into a tortilla with cheese and grill until golden brown.
• Fajita Salad: Toss the leftovers with lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing for a delicious salad.
• Fajita Omelet: Add the chicken and vegetables to an omelet for a flavorful breakfast or brunch.
• Chicken Casserole: You could even incorporate the flavors into a Chicken Casserole for a fun twist!

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love chicken as much as I do, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• White Chicken Chili: A creamy and flavorful chili perfect for a cold day.
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A comforting and cheesy casserole that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you want a slightly different flavor profile, try the Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Birria Tacos: Tender and flavorful chicken birria tacos made easy in the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas:

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s best to use fresh chicken, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it completely before cooking. Make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before marinating.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook them in the air fryer just before serving.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or skillet.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use any type of oil you like, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

My fajitas are burning in the air fryer. What am I doing wrong?

Your air fryer may be running too hot. Try lowering the temperature slightly or reducing the cooking time. Also, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can have restaurant-quality fajitas on the table in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature fajita recipe. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

These Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas offer a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. Using the air fryer makes them faster and healthier than traditional skillet cooking with juicy, tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2-3 bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• Sour cream, for topping
• Guacamole, for topping
• Salsa, for topping
• Shredded cheese, for topping
• Cilantro, chopped, for topping
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of fajita seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
3. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, similar to the chicken.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the bell pepper and onion strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of fajita seasoning.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. After the chicken is done, add the bell pepper and onion strips to the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
8. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a skillet, microwave, or even in the air fryer for a few seconds.
9. Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer. Get creative with toppings. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated. Can substitute chicken with shrimp or steak. For vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up on vegetables.