Looking for a quick, healthy dinner? Try these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas! With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a mix of bold spices, this dish is perfect for busy nights. Ready in under 30 minutes!
If you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make dinner, air fryer chicken fajitas might just be your new go-to meal. These fajitas are the perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy veggies, and a bold, flavorful seasoning mix. Best of all? They’re made right in your air fryer, which means you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without the hassle of frying or grilling.
The beauty of air fryer chicken fajitas lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe has you covered. So, grab your air fryer and let’s get cooking!
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Air fry frozen chicken breast for another quick and healthy meal.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
To make the best air fryer chicken fajitas, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are lean, easy to work with, and cook quickly in the air fryer. Cutting them into strips ensures even cooking and makes them perfect for fajitas.
- 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 green bell pepper: These colorful peppers not only add sweetness and crunch but also make your fajitas look vibrant. Feel free to swap them for other bell peppers or even try some spicy peppers if you want a kick.
- ½ yellow onion: Onions add flavor and sweetness when cooked. They complement the peppers and chicken perfectly in this dish.
- 2 tsp chili powder: This is the base of your fajita seasoning. Chili powder brings a mild heat and earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tsp paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other spices. It helps give your fajitas that rich, deep flavor.
- ½ tsp cumin: Cumin adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor that’s a must in any fajita recipe.
- 1 tsp onion powder: For extra savory flavor. It gives your fajitas a more complex and aromatic taste without overpowering the other spices.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, and garlic powder is an easy way to get that robust taste into your fajitas without the fuss.
- 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other spices. Don’t skip these!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to season the chicken and veggies evenly with the spice mix. You want every bite to be full of flavor!
Additional Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
While the core ingredients are all about bold spices and vibrant vegetables, there are a few additional ingredients you can add to elevate your air fryer chicken fajitas.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps everything cook evenly in the air fryer, adding a little moisture to the chicken and vegetables.
- Tortillas: You can’t have fajitas without tortillas! Flour tortillas work best here, but corn tortillas are also a great option if you prefer them. You can also warm them up in your air fryer for a few seconds to give them a slight crisp.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and cools down the spices in your fajitas. If you want a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based sour cream.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is the perfect garnish for these fajitas. The creamy, fresh flavors of avocado complement the spiced chicken and veggies.
- Fresh cilantro: For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over your fajitas before serving. It adds color and a subtle herbal flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into some expert tips to help you get the best results with your air fryer chicken fajitas:
- Cut the chicken and vegetables evenly: The key to getting everything cooked through perfectly is cutting your chicken and vegetables into uniform strips. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer and prevents any pieces from being overcooked or undercooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: One of the great things about air fryers is how they allow for even cooking. However, if you overcrowd the basket, the heat won’t circulate properly, and the chicken and veggies won’t crisp up. Try cooking the fajitas in batches if necessary.
- Toss halfway through: Just like any air fryer recipe, you’ll want to toss the chicken and veggies halfway through cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly. Set a timer for about 9 minutes and give everything a good toss.
- Add more heat: If you like your fajitas spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is!
- Make it a one-pan meal: If you want to keep it even simpler, throw in some sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for a one-pan meal. These veggies cook beautifully in the air fryer and add extra flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking ensures that your fajitas will cook at the perfect temperature from the start.
For a different take on chicken, try our buffalo chicken bowls for a spicy twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Here’s how you can make your own air fryer chicken fajitas:
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a fork to mix everything together evenly.
- Toss the chicken and veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken strips, onion, and bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and veggies, then toss again to evenly coat all the pieces with the spices.
- Air fry the fajitas: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the seasoned chicken and veggies into the air fryer basket. Cook for 16 to 20 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through (at around 9 minutes) to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are slightly charred, remove the basket from the air fryer. Warm your tortillas, then serve the fajitas with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Additional Guide: Variations and Special Techniques
If you’re looking to switch things up with your air fryer chicken fajitas, here are a few variations to try:
- Try different proteins: While chicken is a classic choice, you can also use steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of fajitas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to suit the protein you choose.
- Make fajita bowls: Skip the tortillas and serve your fajitas as a bowl. Layer rice, beans, and the fajita mixture, and top with sour cream, salsa, and cheese for a delicious, filling meal.
- Add cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack) on top of your fajitas right before serving adds extra creaminess and flavor.
- Spicy fajitas: For a real heat kick, toss some jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce on top of your fajitas before serving. It’s a great way to adjust the heat level to your liking.
For more fajita-inspired meals, try making our chicken fajita rice bowl for a hearty and satisfying dish.
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
What temperature to air fry fajitas?
To cook air fryer chicken fajitas, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. You’ll want to cook the fajitas for about 16-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for the best results.
Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken in the air fryer! In fact, air frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken because it uses less oil. Just make sure to season your chicken well, place it in a single layer, and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How long does chicken take to cook for fajitas?
For air fryer chicken fajitas, the chicken typically takes 16-20 minutes to cook at 350°F (175°C). The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken strips and the air fryer model. Always check the chicken with a thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken fajitas are the perfect meal when you’re craving something quick, healthy, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and a bold seasoning mix, this dish brings all the fajita goodness without the mess of grilling or frying. It’s customizable, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a Tex-Mex feast, try these fajitas and enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort!
Thanks for stopping by, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper cut into ¼” slices
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into ¼” slices
- 1 green bell pepper cut into ¼” slices
- ½ yellow onion cut into ¼” slices
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, onion, and bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and veggies and toss again to coat everything evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Add the seasoned chicken, onion, and bell peppers to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 16-20 minutes, tossing halfway through (around 9 minutes) until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
- Serve the fajitas in tortillas, and garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.