Air-Fried Chicken Fajitas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and only take around 20 minutes to cook. The air fryer method is also very convenient as it doesn't require reheating a large oven, and there's less washing up to do afterwards.

To make chicken fajitas in an air fryer, cut chicken breast and vegetables into thin slices, add oil and fajita seasoning, and cook for around 15 minutes at 390°F/200°C. You can serve your fajitas with toppings such as salsa, sliced avocado, cheese, guacamole, or sour cream, and wrap them in tortillas, or serve them as a salad or rice bowl.

Chicken fajita ingredients

Chicken fajitas are a great meal to make in an air fryer, and they're super easy to prepare. Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make delicious chicken fajitas in your air fryer:

Chicken:

For the protein component, you'll need some boneless and skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into thin, even strips or slices to ensure uniform cooking. The amount of chicken you'll need will depend on the number of servings you're preparing, but typically, one pound of chicken is a good starting point.

Vegetables:

Bell peppers and onions are the classic vegetable combination for chicken fajitas. You can use a variety of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, orange, or green. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a more earthy or "spicy" taste. Slice the peppers and onions into strips or wedges of a similar size to your chicken pieces. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms if you like.

Oil:

Oil is necessary to help the seasonings stick to the chicken and vegetables. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral cooking oil you prefer.

Seasonings:

Fajita seasoning is what gives your chicken fajitas their distinctive flavour. You can easily make your own fajita seasoning by combining spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Alternatively, you can use store-bought fajita seasoning packets or a pre-made blend.

Tortillas:

Fajitas are typically served wrapped in tortillas. You can use flour tortillas or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. If you're gluten-intolerant or serving gluten-free guests, be sure to use gluten-free tortillas.

Toppings and Garnishes:

Fajitas are all about customization, so feel free to offer a variety of toppings and garnishes. Popular options include salsa, guacamole, avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, lime wedges, cilantro, and sliced romaine lettuce.

Air fryer settings

To make chicken fajitas in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your appliance and prepare your ingredients before cooking them for around 15 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to the settings and timings you'll need:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380 °F to 400 °F. Some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 350 °F, while others go up to 390 °F (200 °C).
• Prepare the ingredients: Slice chicken breasts into strips or chunks, and cut peppers and onions into slices or wedges. You can also add zucchini or other vegetables. Place the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil).
• Season the ingredients: You can make your own fajita seasoning by combining spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Alternatively, use a store-bought fajita seasoning mix. Toss the ingredients in the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Cook the fajitas: Place the seasoned ingredients into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the ingredients to steam rather than char. Set the air fryer temperature between 360 °F and 400 °F, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Check doneness: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 °F (75 °C). If not, return it to the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes.
• Serve: Remove the cooked ingredients from the air fryer and squeeze lime juice over them. Serve on warmed tortillas or over a bed of quinoa or lettuce. Add your choice of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, cheese, or sour cream.

Enjoy your homemade chicken fajitas!

Air fryer chicken fajita cooking times

The cooking time for chicken fajitas in an air fryer depends on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your chicken strips. It's important to note that the air fryer should not be overcrowded to ensure even cooking. As a general rule, chicken fajitas will take between 10 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, with some recipes recommending specific temperatures and cook times as follows:

• One recipe recommends cooking at 390°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The recipe also notes that depending on the thickness of the chicken strips and the model of the air fryer, cooking time may need to be adjusted.
• Another recipe recommends cooking at 360°F for 16-20 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• A third recipe suggests preheating the air fryer and then cooking at 400°F for 17 minutes, stirring the chicken and vegetables halfway through.
• A fourth recipe recommends cooking at 350°F for 12 minutes for the chicken, shaking halfway through, and then 14 minutes for the vegetables, again shaking halfway through.
• A final recipe suggests cooking at 390°F for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly, and this can be checked by using a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Chicken fajita toppings

Chicken fajitas are a fun and tasty meal to make, especially when you have a variety of toppings to choose from. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Traditional Toppings

• Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Queso Oaxaca, or Queso Fresco are all great options.
• Lettuce: Romaine or Iceberg lettuce adds a crisp texture to your fajita.
• Tomatoes: Diced Roma tomatoes are a classic choice, but any type of tomato will work.
• Sour Cream: This helps to balance out the spices in the fajitas. For a lighter option, you can use plain Greek yoghurt.
• Jalapenos: Add some extra spice to your fajitas with sliced or diced jalapenos. You can use either pickled or fresh jalapenos.
• Avocado: Avocado adds a creamy texture to your fajita and helps to balance the flavours. Diced or sliced avocados are a great option, and you can squeeze some fresh lime juice over them to prevent browning.
• Cilantro: Cilantro leaves add a pop of flavour to your fajita.
• Lime juice: Lime juice is commonly used in Mexican cooking to brighten up the flavours. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to your fajitas just before serving.

Creative Toppings

If you want to get a little more creative with your toppings, here are some ideas:

• Fajita Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are a must-have in any fajita. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or courgette (zucchini) slices.
• Pico de Gallo: This traditional Mexican condiment is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. It's the perfect topping for fajitas and adds a nice spicy kick.
• Salsa Verde: The bright flavour of tomatillos works really well with fajitas and adds a mild zing to your dish.
• Corn Salsa: This easy salsa made with corn, cilantro, and lime is especially good with skirt steak fajitas.
• Pineapple Salsa: Add a touch of sweetness to your fajitas with this spicy pineapple and serrano pepper salsa. It pairs perfectly with shrimp fajitas.
• Queso: Add some creaminess and extra cheese to your fajitas with this dip made from cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and spices. It's a great addition to chicken fajitas.
• Guacamole: If you want to cool down your fajitas, guacamole is a perfect choice. You can make your own by mashing avocado with lime juice, diced onion, jalapenos, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
• Mexican Coleslaw: If you're making seafood fajitas, this creamy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a lime dressing is a delicious topping.
• Ranchero Sauce: Amp up the smoky flavour in your fajitas with this easy homemade sauce. You can also use the leftovers to make huevos rancheros the next day.
• Pickled Red Onions: Add some crunch and acidity to your fajitas with these easy pickled red onions. Simply soak sliced red onions in lime juice for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Beans: Beans are typically served on the side, but they also make a delicious fajita topping. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even a thin layer of refried beans. This is a great way to boost the protein content of your fajitas without adding meat.
• Rice: Mexican rice is usually served as a side dish, but many people like to add it directly to their fajitas. You can use traditional rice or try a healthier option like Mexican Cauliflower Rice.

Chicken fajita alternatives

Chicken fajitas are a versatile dish that can be customised according to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some alternatives to the classic chicken fajita recipe:

Alternative Proteins

While chicken is the traditional choice for fajitas, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as beef strips, shrimp, tofu, seitan, or tempeh. For a more flavourful option, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

Creative Toppings

In addition to the standard toppings of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, you can add fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheese. For a healthier option, use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream. If you're feeling adventurous, include sliced avocado, jalapeños, or pickled red onions for an extra kick.

Vegetable Variations

While bell peppers and onions are the usual choices for fajitas, you can mix it up by adding zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.

Dietary Restrictions

Air fryer chicken fajitas can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, simply omit the tortillas or use corn tortillas. To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese or opt for plant-based alternatives. For low-carb or keto diets, serve the fajita mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Seasoning Blends

Customise your fajitas by experimenting with different seasoning blends. Try Cajun spices, curry powder, or Italian herbs to give your fajitas a unique flavour profile. You can also make your own homemade fajita seasoning using common ingredients like chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Fajitas can be served in various ways to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Warm flour tortillas are traditional, but you can also use corn tortillas, lettuce wraps, or gluten-free options. For a heartier meal, serve the fajita mixture with rice or quinoa. You can also offer a variety of toppings and let everyone assemble their own fajitas, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

Frequently asked questions