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

Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The air fryer's rapid convection heating makes it perfect for cooking chicken fajitas, and the results are tender, juicy, and flavorful. The chicken is typically sliced into strips and seasoned with oil and fajita seasoning before being cooked in the air fryer for around 15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. Chicken fajitas can be served in a tortilla or as a fajita bowl with quinoa and lettuce, and various toppings such as guacamole, salsa, cheese, and sour cream can be added.

Chicken fajita bowls are a great keto or low-carb option

Chicken fajitas are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. But what if you're following a keto or low-carb diet? Well, chicken fajita bowls are a great option!

Chicken fajita bowls are a fantastic keto or low-carb choice as they can be enjoyed without any bread. You can use the same delicious recipe for the chicken and vegetables, but instead of serving them in a tortilla, you can create a hearty salad bowl. This option is perfect for those who want to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing flavor. The chicken fajita bowl is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste and dietary preferences.

The beauty of chicken fajita bowls is that you can get creative with the ingredients and make it your own. Start with a base of greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, or spring mix. Then, add your seasoned chicken, which has been marinated and grilled to perfection. You can also include sautéed or grilled peppers and onions, giving the bowl that classic fajita flavor. For an extra kick of flavor, you can reserve some of the fajita seasoning to add to the vegetables. Don't forget to toss the avocado chunks in lime juice before adding them to the bowl!

To make it even more filling, you can serve your fajita mixture on a bed of cauliflower rice, keeping it keto and low-carb. If you're not following a strict low-carb diet, you can opt for brown or white rice to add a hearty element to your bowl. For those who want to keep it simple, you can enjoy the chicken and vegetables on their own without any rice or lettuce. And if you're craving the tortilla experience, you can always wrap your fajita filling in a low-carb tortilla, warming it up in the microwave or oven before serving.

Chicken fajita bowls are a fantastic option for those following a keto or low-carb diet, offering flexibility and a burst of fresh flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a satisfying and healthy meal that rivals your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant!

Chicken preparation: slice, season and coat

Chicken fajitas are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to make in an air fryer. The chicken is succulent and juicy, and the whole dish is packed with flavor. Here is a detailed guide to preparing the chicken, which is the star of the dish.

Chicken Preparation: Slice, Season, and Coat

First, slice the chicken into thin strips. It is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breast, as it is a lean protein option, and the smaller-sized breasts are easier to work with. You can also use chicken tenders, as they stay tender and are quicker to slice up. If you have larger chicken breasts, you can halve them by laying them flat and cutting horizontally.

Next, season the chicken generously. Place the sliced chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. You can use a store-bought packet of fajita seasoning or make your own blend. A simple homemade fajita seasoning mix typically includes chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. You can also add cornstarch to the chicken, which will help create a coating. Use your hands to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning and cornstarch, and don't be afraid to get messy!

Finally, coat the chicken with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or any other oil you prefer. Drizzle or spray the oil over the chicken and mix well until everything is evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon for this step, but be sure to wear food-safe gloves if you don't want to touch the raw chicken.

Vegetable preparation: slice, season and coat

Preparing the vegetables for chicken fajitas in an air fryer is simple. First, you'll want to slice up your chosen vegetables into fairly uniform pieces. You can use a variety of vegetables, but peppers and onions are the most common. You can also add zucchini, as well as seasoning with spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

When slicing, be sure not to cut the vegetables too thin, as they may burn in the air fryer. Thicker slices will retain more texture and flavour, but you also want to avoid cutting them too thick, as this can affect how well the vegetables cook. Aim for a medium thickness.

Once sliced, place the vegetables in a large bowl and add oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. Drizzle the oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper, or your chosen fajita seasoning. Stir the vegetables until they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. You can use a spoon to mix, but using your hands will ensure the vegetables are well coated.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The air fryer settings and cooking times for chicken fajitas depend on the model of your air fryer, the quantity of food, and the thickness of the chicken strips. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the settings and desired crispness. It is important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and charring.

For a smaller air fryer, it is advisable to cook in two batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the basket should be avoided as it can cause the food to steam rather than bake, resulting in a lack of charring. The thickness of the chicken strips also influences the cooking time, with thinner slices requiring less time.

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. To check if the chicken is done, use a fork and knife to cut through a small piece and ensure it is no longer pink in the middle. If you are reheating leftover chicken fajitas, set the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models have varying preheat functions. Some models have a dedicated preheat button, while others can be manually preheated by turning on the air fryer a few minutes before adding the food. Additionally, some recipes may instruct you to start cooking during the preheating process, while others specify that the cooking time begins once the air fryer has warmed up.

Serving suggestions: tortillas, rice, salad, toppings

Chicken fajitas cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. You can serve them with tortillas, either wheat, corn, or gluten-free, depending on your preference or dietary requirements. You can also serve the fajita mixture over a bed of rice, or in a bowl without any bread, for a low-carb option.

For toppings, you can add guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado slices, lime crema, pineapple salsa, lime wedges, or fresh cilantro. You can also add sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, to your fajitas. If you want to add some crunch, you can toast your tortillas in the air fryer, but be careful not to over-fill the basket to avoid steaming the tortillas instead of roasting them.

When preparing your chicken fajitas, you can season the chicken and vegetables with a homemade fajita seasoning mix, which typically includes chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and a pinch of sugar. This will give your fajitas a beautiful colour and a delicious, authentic flavour.

Air fryer chicken fajitas are a quick, easy, and convenient way to enjoy a tasty and healthy meal, perfect for a busy mid-week dinner with the family.

Frequently asked questions