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

Chicken fajitas are a popular dish, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Chicken fajitas can be made in an air fryer and are a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. This method of cooking fajitas results in juicy chicken strips and crisp-tender vegetables.

To make chicken fajitas in an air fryer, simply combine sliced chicken, peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Place the mixture in the air fryer and cook for around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and your desired level of doneness. You can serve these fajitas with tortillas, rice, salad, or any other toppings of your choice.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty weeknight dinner, air fryer chicken fajitas are a great option to consider!

Chicken fajita seasoning

Chicken fajitas are a breeze to make in an air fryer, and the seasoning blend is a crucial component of this tasty dish. Here's a detailed guide to creating the perfect chicken fajita seasoning:

Ingredients:

The beauty of chicken fajita seasoning is in its simplicity. All you need are a few basic spices, which you probably already have in your pantry:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika (regular or smoked)
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (adjustable for heat preference)
• Salt (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Creating your own chicken fajita seasoning is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Combine Spices: In a small bowl, mix together all the spices in the amounts specified. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer your freshly made chicken fajita seasoning to an airtight container, such as a glass jar. This will keep the spices fresh and potent.
• Use in Chicken Fajitas: When you're ready to make chicken fajitas, take 1.5-2 teaspoons of your seasoning blend for each pound of chicken. You can use it as a dry rub or create a marinade by mixing it with olive oil and lime juice.
• Cook in the Air Fryer: After seasoning the chicken, cut it into strips and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 16-20 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• Add Vegetables: For a complete fajita experience, slice up some bell peppers and onions. Toss them with a bit of olive oil and your seasoning blend. Place the vegetables in the air fryer for an additional 10-14 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
• Serve: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked to your liking, it's time to assemble your fajitas! Warm some tortillas and fill them with the chicken and veggie mixture. Top with salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, or any other toppings you desire.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Seasoning:

• Freshness Matters: Spices lose their potency over time, so try to use freshly purchased spices for optimal flavour.
• Customise the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick to your fajitas, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in your blend. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
• Make a Big Batch: Why not make a large batch of this seasoning and keep it on hand? Store it in a cool, dry place, and it will last for up to 6 months.
• Gift Idea: Homemade spice blends like this chicken fajita seasoning make excellent gifts for foodie friends. Package it in a cute jar with a label, and you've got a thoughtful, consumable present.

Chicken fajita toppings

Chicken fajitas are a fun and tasty meal, and the toppings are a key part of this dish. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started.

The traditional fajita fixings include shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack. You can also add some lettuce—Romaine or Iceberg, for example—and diced tomatoes. For a little extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños, and don't forget the avocado! Squeeze some lime juice over the sliced avocado to prevent browning.

If you want to get more creative, you can add some creamy chipotle sauce, Mexican coleslaw, or even some pickled red onions. For a sweet and spicy kick, try pineapple salsa, or add some zesty sour cream to balance out the spice.

Don't forget to serve your fajitas with some warm tortillas and a side of Mexican rice.

Now you have all the toppings, it's time to assemble your chicken fajitas!

Chicken fajita bowls

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or tenders
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and/or green)
• Onion (red or yellow)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rice, lettuce, or tortillas for serving
• Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, avocado slices, pico de gallo, lime wedges, cilantro, etc.

Instructions:

• Cut the chicken into thin strips or slices.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bell peppers, onion, oil, fajita seasoning, and salt and pepper (if desired). Toss or mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F (175-200°C).
• Place the chicken and vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Cook at 360-390°F for 10-20 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer.
• While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare your rice, lettuce, or tortillas.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, assemble your fajita bowls. Start with a base of rice, lettuce, or chopped tortillas.
• Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Finish with your choice of toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, avocado slices, pico de gallo, lime wedges, cilantro, etc.

Chicken fajita sides

Chicken fajitas are a tasty meal, but they can be even better with some side dishes. Here are some ideas for chicken fajita sides to elevate your meal:

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a staple side dish that complements fajitas perfectly. It has a rich tomato flavour and a hint of spice, making it a delicious addition to your plate. You can pile some rice into your fajitas or serve it on the side.

Cilantro Lime Rice

For a more mellow-flavoured rice option, try cilantro lime rice. You can cook this in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The lime and cilantro add a refreshing touch to your meal.

Refried Beans

Refried beans are another classic Mexican side dish that goes well with fajitas. You can serve them as a dip with chips or layer them into your fajita filling. They are easy to make and can be customised with cheese, onion, cumin, or jalapeno.

Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn, also known as elotes, is a tasty and creamy side dish. It's made with sweet corn topped with a garlic chipotle sauce, queso fresco, and smoked paprika. It's a perfect complement to the spiciness of fajitas.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a must-have at any Mexican feast. It's a classic side dish that goes perfectly with fajitas. You can pile it into your fajitas or use it as a dip. It's easy to make and will add a rich, creamy flavour to your meal.

Salads

A fresh salad can be a great side dish to balance out the heartiness of fajitas. You can go for a simple green salad or try something more creative, like a Mexican corn salad or a salad with avocados, cucumbers, and tomatoes. These options will provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavours of the fajitas.

There you have it! These side dish ideas will surely enhance your chicken fajita meal and impress your guests. Enjoy your feast!

Chicken fajita cooking times

Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal to make in your air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of your air fryer, as well as your preferred level of "doneness".

For example, if you have a 7-quart air fryer, you may need to cook the fajitas in two batches. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, you can use this, otherwise, turn on the air fryer to the desired temperature while you prepare the ingredients.

Most recipes recommend cooking the chicken and vegetables separately. First, add the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), shaking halfway through. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest, then add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook for 14 minutes at the same temperature, shaking halfway through.

If you prefer softer vegetables, you can add two minutes to the cooking time. You can also toast the tortillas in the air fryer if you wish, although this is not necessary.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken and vegetables together. For this method, preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 390°F and cook for 16-20 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

If you are cooking the chicken and vegetables separately, you can add the chicken to the vegetables in the air fryer for the last 3 minutes of cooking to warm it through.

Frequently asked questions