Air Fryer Steak Fajitas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can make delicious steak fajitas in an air fryer. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to become a family favourite. The air fryer seals in the juices, leaving you with tender, juicy steak strips and caramelised vegetables.

The key to a good steak fajita is the marinade. A mixture of olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, and chilli powder will give your fajitas a flavour boost. Don't forget to slice your steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.

You can also add foil to the air fryer basket to reduce mess, or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.

Steak fajitas marinade

Steak fajitas are a delicious meal, and the marinade is what makes them so special. Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect steak fajitas marinade:

Ingredients:

The key to a great marinade is to use fresh, simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

• Olive oil: Essential for tenderizing the steak and enhancing the flavour of the spices.
• Lime juice: Adds a zesty, tangy flavour and helps to tenderize the meat. Lemon or orange juice can also be used.
• Minced garlic: Gives the marinade a potent, fragrant kick.
• Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy tone to the marinade.
• Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick and a smoky undertone. Cayenne or chipotle powder can be used as alternatives.
• Paprika: Contributes a sweet, smoky flavour. Regular, sweet, or hot paprika can be used depending on your preference.
• Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch to the marinade.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the overall flavour.

Customisation:

Feel free to customise the marinade to your taste! Here are some ideas:

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal flavour.
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: For a savoury, umami boost.
• Pineapple juice: Gives a fruity twist. However, if using fresh pineapple juice, only marinate the steak for a maximum of two hours to avoid the enzymes making the meat mushy.

Marinating:

Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours for the best results. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful it will be. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, cover it with the marinade, and refrigerate.

Cooking:

After marinating, cook the steak on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet. Cut the steak into thin slices against the grain and serve with your favourite toppings and sides, such as tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, rice, or beans.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking temperature and timing for steak fajitas in an air fryer depend on the type of steak and the desired level of doneness. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Marinating the Steak:

Before cooking, prepare a marinade by combining pineapple juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Place your chosen steak, either flank steak or top sirloin, in a container and pour the marinade over it. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours or even up to 8 hours to overnight.

Preparing the Vegetables:

Slice your peppers and onions. You can use a variety of bell peppers, such as green, red, and yellow. Some recipes suggest lining the air fryer basket with foil or a silicone liner to reduce mess and sticking. Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket, and spray them with oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Vegetables:

Close the air fryer basket and cook the vegetables at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooking period, open the basket and stir the vegetables.

Adding the Steak:

Place the marinated steak pieces on top of the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly spread. Close the basket again and continue cooking.

Final Cooking:

The total cooking time for the steak will depend on your desired level of doneness and the specific model of your air fryer. For medium doneness, cook the steak for about 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit after adding it to the air fryer. If you prefer your steak well done, you may need to cook it for a few minutes longer.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, open the air fryer and stir the contents. Serve the steak fajitas on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings and sides, such as cheese, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or Spanish rice.

Steak fajitas toppings

Steak fajitas are a fun and tasty meal to make, and the toppings you choose can really make the dish. The traditional toppings for fajitas are grilled onions, peppers, cheese, and guacamole, but you can also add salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos. Here are some topping ideas to make your steak fajitas delicious:

Cheese

Cheese is a must-have for many people, and while a good cheddar is always a solid choice, you could try something different like Tex Mex cheese or Monterey Jack with jalapeno for an extra kick.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic fajita topping and is easy to make. Simply mash avocados, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapenos, then season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. It adds a wonderful creaminess to your fajitas.

Sour Cream

A great way to balance out the spice of your fajitas, sour cream also adds a nice, zesty contrast to the savoury flavours.

Bell Peppers

The bright, vivid colours of red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers make your fajitas look fun and appetising. Marinate them in the same sauce as your meat for extra flavour and saute for 3-4 minutes.

Onions

Cooking onions removes their bite and makes them sweet and delicious. Caramelise them in their own sugar by allowing them to cook slowly. They will also add a wonderful smoky flavour to your fajitas.

Lettuce

Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to your fajitas. Iceberg lettuce, in particular, is a great choice for texture.

Tomatoes

Juicy, roasted tomatoes pair beautifully with toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and cheese. You can roast them in the oven alongside your steak.

Salsa

Whether you make your own or buy it in a jar, salsa is a tasty addition to fajitas. You can choose your spice level, from mild to extra hot!

Steak fajitas sides

Steak fajitas are a delicious and quick meal to make in an air fryer. The best sides to accompany this dish are:

Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a great side dish to serve with steak fajitas. It's a simple dish made with rice, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The rice is first sautéed in oil and then cooked in a mixture of tomatoes and chicken broth. This creates a tasty and colourful side dish that complements the fajitas well.

Salad

A fresh and crisp salad is always a good side option, especially if you're looking for something lighter to balance out the hearty fajitas. You can go for a classic green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. Or, if you want something more substantial, add in some grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

Guacamole and Chips

Guacamole is a classic Mexican side dish that goes perfectly with steak fajitas. Avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro are mashed and mixed together to make a creamy and flavourful dip. Serve it with some crispy tortilla chips for a tasty and addictive side that your guests will love.

Beans

Beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and make a great side dish for steak fajitas. You can go for refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans. Cook them with some onions, garlic, and spices to give them a nice kick. They're a hearty and flavourful addition to your meal.

Grilled Vegetables

If you want to add more vegetables to your meal, grilling them in your air fryer is a great option. Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions are all excellent choices. Cut them into slices or chunks, toss them in a bit of olive oil and your favourite spices, and air fry until tender. They'll add a nice charred flavour to your fajitas.

Steak fajitas alternatives

Steak fajitas are a delicious meal, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are plenty of options! Here are some ideas for substitutes and variations to keep your fajitas interesting and tasty:

Different Types of Meat

Using a different type of meat is a great way to switch up your fajitas. Chicken, shrimp, and pork are popular choices and can be prepared in a similar way to steak. For a cheaper option, you could try chicken thighs or legs, or even ground beef. If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with more unusual meats like kangaroo, beef tongue, or buffalo.

Vegetarian Options

For a vegetarian twist on fajitas, you could try using mushrooms, jackfruit, tofu, tempeh, halloumi, or paneer cheese. These options can provide a satisfying chewy texture similar to meat and are a great way to make your fajitas more affordable and vegetarian-friendly.

Alternative Vegetables

While peppers and onions are classic fajita fillings, you can mix things up by adding different vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even cactus! Poblano peppers are also a great addition, providing a nice smoky flavor. If you want to keep things simple, just stick to the classic trio of bell peppers in different colors—red, green, and yellow.

Creative Toppings

In addition to the standard toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, you can get creative with your fajita toppings. Try adding grilled pineapple chunks, black beans, sautéed corn, lettuce, or shredded cheese. You could even make a chipotle-style fajita bowl with rice and your favorite toppings.

Different Cooking Methods

If you're tired of cooking your fajitas in a skillet, try grilling your meat and veggies for a smoky flavor. You can also cook your steak fajitas in an air fryer for a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup. Baking your fajita fillings in the oven is another option, especially if you're making a large batch.

Frequently asked questions