Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that feels like a fiesta on a plate? These air fryer chicken fajitas are exactly what you need. Juicy strips of chicken, tender-crisp bell peppers, and a bold fajita seasoning blend come together in the air fryer for a low-effort, high-reward meal. Everything cooks up in under 20 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze — no greasy stovetop mess or piles of pans to deal with.

I love making fajitas this way because it’s all about simplicity and bold flavor. Toss everything into one bowl with oil and spices, let the air fryer do its thing, and you’ve got sizzling fajitas with minimal fuss. The veggies stay crisp-tender, the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, and that smoky-spicy aroma fills the kitchen like you’ve got a sizzling skillet going — minus the actual skillet.

This is also one of those meals that’s endlessly customizable. Use whatever bell pepper colors you have, swap chicken for shrimp or steak, dial up the spice or keep it mild — it’s a forgiving, flexible recipe that fits into almost any dietary plan. Serve it in warm tortillas, over rice, on a salad, or as a low-carb bowl with guac and sour cream. It’s truly a dinner winner every time.

If you’re like me and always on the hunt for meals that are healthy, fast, and don’t skimp on flavor, these air fryer chicken fajitas are going to become a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or just meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy – Everything comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One bowl, one basket – Minimal cleanup required. Toss your ingredients in one bowl, cook in the air fryer basket, and you’re done.
• Perfectly cooked every time – The air fryer gives the chicken a juicy texture and leaves the veggies with just the right amount of char and crisp.
• Full of flavor – Smoky, zesty, and slightly spicy — just like classic fajitas but without needing a sizzling skillet.
• Totally customizable – Use different proteins, swap veggies, or adjust the spice level to match your cravings.

Ingredient List

For the Chicken Fajitas

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Fajita Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional for Serving

• Warm tortillas (flour or corn)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Ingredient Notes

• Use thinly sliced chicken so it cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
• Bell peppers in different colors add flavor and make the dish visually vibrant — don’t skip the variety.
• Smoked paprika gives that deep, slightly smoky flavor that makes fajitas taste restaurant-quality.
• Lime juice adds a fresh zing and balances the spices — highly recommended for that final touch.
• Make your own seasoning mix instead of using a store-bought packet — it’s fresher, customizable, and usually has less sodium.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer – For quick, even cooking without needing a skillet. I use a 5.8-quart basket-style air fryer for perfect batch size.
• Mixing bowl – To toss the chicken, peppers, and spices together easily.
• Tongs or silicone spatula – For mixing and flipping ingredients in the air fryer without scratching the basket.
• Cutting board + sharp knife – To prep your chicken and veggies quickly and safely.
• Measuring spoons – To get the spice mix just right every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

• Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, even strips — about ½ inch wide works great for quick cooking.
• Slice the bell peppers and red onion into similarly sized strips so everything cooks evenly.

Pro Tip: Try to keep your slices uniform in size. This helps avoid some pieces overcooking while others are underdone.

Step 2: Make the Fajita Seasoning

• In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Stir until everything is well combined and evenly mixed.

Pro Tip: Make a double or triple batch of this seasoning and store it in a jar — it’s great for tacos, grilled veggies, or roasted potatoes.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

• Add the chicken, peppers, and onions to a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
• Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the top.
• Use tongs or clean hands to toss everything until well coated with the oil and spices.

Pro Tip: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes if you have time. The lime and spices start soaking in for even more flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
• Once preheated, place the seasoned chicken and veggies in the air fryer basket. Spread them out as evenly as possible.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in two rounds so the chicken gets a nice sear instead of steaming.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

• Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) and the veggies are slightly charred but still tender.

Pro Tip: For a little extra char, increase the heat to 400°F for the last 2 minutes — but keep a close eye on it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from the air fryer and give everything a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Serve hot in warm tortillas or over rice, and top with your favorite extras like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Dinner = done!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Slice everything evenly – Uniform chicken and veggie slices help everything cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip preheating – A hot air fryer gives the chicken that delicious, slightly crispy edge right from the start.
• Shake the basket halfway – This ensures the chicken and veggies cook evenly and get that slight char.
• Use a meat thermometer – For perfect doneness, check that the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) internally.
• Warm your tortillas – A quick warm-up (in a pan, microwave, or wrapped in foil in the air fryer) makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp or steak – Shrimp cooks even faster (about 8 minutes), and thinly sliced steak is amazing with this seasoning.
• Use different veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or thin strips of poblano peppers add great flavor and variety.
• Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Make it dairy-free – Skip the sour cream and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative, or just add guacamole.
• Make it spicier – Add more cayenne or slice in a fresh jalapeño with the bell peppers for a fiery kick.

Serving Suggestions

• In warm tortillas with toppings – Pile the chicken and veggies into flour or corn tortillas, then top with sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Over cilantro lime rice – This is one of my go-tos when I want something more filling. The rice soaks up all the flavor from the fajitas!
• In a salad bowl – I love tossing the chicken and veggies over a big bowl of greens with avocado, black beans, and salsa for a fajita-style salad.
• Low-carb lettuce wraps – Crisp romaine or butter lettuce makes the perfect base for a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor.
• With tortilla chips – Sometimes I turn this into a “fajita nacho night” and serve it over chips with melted cheese and jalapeños. So fun and satisfying!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store cooked chicken and veggies in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer – Pop leftovers back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp the edges.
• Microwave-friendly too – For a quick option, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Freeze for later – Freeze cooked fajitas in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Store tortillas separately – Keep any leftover tortillas in their own container or bag so they don’t get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely first! Using frozen chicken straight from the freezer will release too much water and steam instead of giving you that nice fajita sear.

How do I prevent the veggies from getting too soft?

Slice them a bit thicker and avoid overcrowding the basket. Giving everything space helps the air circulate and keeps the veggies crisp-tender.

What size air fryer works best?

A 5–6 quart basket-style air fryer is ideal for this recipe. If yours is smaller, just cook in two batches for best results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can slice and season everything ahead, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Great for meal prep.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The air fryer is your best friend here! It brings everything back to life with that slight crisp on the edges—way better than the microwave if you have a few extra minutes.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chili powder and cayenne, but it’s easy to adjust. Leave out the cayenne or cut the spices in half if you prefer it mild.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

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