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

how to cook steak fajitas in air fryer

Steak fajitas are a delicious meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. They are also super easy to make in an air fryer, with minimal cleanup required. The key to juicy and tender steak fajitas is to marinate the steak before cooking it. You can use a variety of ingredients to marinate the steak, such as lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. The steak should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for a few hours or even overnight. In addition to the steak, you will also need to cook peppers and onions in the air fryer. You can add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro.

Characteristics Values
Steak Flank, ribeye, or sirloin
Marinade Pineapple juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and coriander
Vegetables Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini
Oil Olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil
Seasoning Fajita seasoning, salt, pepper, or homemade taco seasoning
Cooking Time 10 minutes for vegetables, 7-10 minutes for steak
Cooking Temperature 360°F-400°F
Serving Suggestions Tortillas, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, rice, or salad

cycookery

Steak fajita marinade

Marination is a crucial step in preparing steak fajitas in an air fryer, as it infuses the meat with flavour and makes it tender. Here is a detailed guide to making delicious steak fajita marinade:

Ingredients:

The ingredients for the marinade can vary according to your preference and availability. Here are some common ingredients used in steak fajita marinade:

  • Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Lime juice (which also helps tenderize the meat)
  • Soy sauce
  • Pineapple juice (also known to tenderize steak)
  • Garlic or garlic powder
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Jalapeno chile powder
  • Coriander
  • Red chilli pepper flakes

Instructions:

  • Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl or a zip-top bag, add the oil, lime juice, soy sauce, pineapple juice (optional), and spices. Whisk or shake well to combine.
  • Add the steak: Place the steak in the marinade. You can use flank steak, ribeye, or top sirloin, sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Marinate: Refrigerate the steak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to overnight. For the best results, some prefer marinating the steak for up to 24 hours to allow the meat to absorb all the flavours fully.
  • Prepare the vegetables: While the steak is marinating, slice up your peppers and onions. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini for variety.
  • Cook the vegetables first: Before adding the steak, it is recommended to cook the vegetables first. Toss the vegetables with some oil and seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes at 360°F to 400°F.
  • Add the steak: Once the vegetables are partially cooked, remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry, and place the steak pieces on top.
  • Cook the steak: Continue cooking at the same temperature for another 5-10 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
  • Toss and serve: Finally, toss the steak and vegetables together, and serve with warm tortillas and your favourite toppings.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your unique steak fajita marinade. Enjoy the process of cooking and savour the delicious results!

cycookery

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for your air fryer steak fajitas will depend on the type of air fryer you have, as well as your preferred level of doneness. It is recommended that you watch the steak closely the first time you make it, as all air fryers heat differently.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes suggest preheating to around 380–400°F (about 190–200°C) for 5 minutes.

Once preheated, add your sliced peppers and onions to the air fryer basket. You should cook these for around 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

After this, add your steak to the air fryer. You should then cook for another 5–10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. It is recommended that you check the steak after 5 minutes to ensure it doesn't get overcooked.

cycookery

Peppers and onions

Firstly, prepare the vegetables by slicing one medium onion and 2-3 medium bell peppers. It is recommended to use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for a variety of colours and subtle flavour differences. Thick slices of onion are preferable, as onions tend to reduce in size during cooking.

Next, place the sliced vegetables in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil, depending on your preference. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Before adding the vegetables to the air fryer, it is important to line the air fryer basket with a piece of foil, silicone liner, or parchment paper. This will facilitate easier cleanup after cooking. Then, put the peppers and onions into the basket and spread them out, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 360°F and 400°F, and cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, if desired.

Once the peppers and onions are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and set them aside. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the vegetables in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

cycookery

Toppings and sides

When it comes to toppings and sides, the sky is the limit. You can go as classic or creative as you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Toppings

  • Cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime juice
  • Jalapeno slices
  • Hot sauce
  • Red chili pepper flakes
  • Chopped onions
  • Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
  • Mexican Coleslaw

Sides

  • Rice (Spanish rice or plain rice)
  • Salad
  • Tortillas
  • Nachos
  • Quinoa
  • Fries

You can also get creative with your protein and vegetable choices. For example, you can use chicken, shrimp, or a combination of meats and veggies. For veggies, try mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, or hollowed-out bell peppers.

cycookery

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your fajitas again, simply reheat the thawed leftovers in the microwave or a preheated air fryer at 350°F. You can also use your leftovers to make fajita quesadillas, nachos, or stuffed peppers. For quesadillas, layer your fajitas between two flour tortillas with cheese and cook in a hot skillet until crispy. For nachos, spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with your fajita filling, cheese, jalapeños, and salsa, then bake until the cheese is melted. For stuffed peppers, add your fajita filling to hollowed-out bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.

Frequently asked questions

It takes around 20 minutes to cook steak fajitas in an air fryer.

You will need steak, peppers, onions, olive oil, and fajita seasoning. You can also add other ingredients such as lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and soy sauce for a marinade.

First, marinate the steak in a mixture of olive oil, fajita seasoning, and other desired ingredients. Then, slice up your peppers and onions and toss them with some oil and seasonings. Cook the vegetables in the air fryer at 360°F for 10 minutes. Finally, add the steak to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it is cooked to your liking.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment