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

Chicken fajitas are a fun and tasty meal to make, and even better, they can be made in an air fryer! This method is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer cooks the chicken to a nice, moist consistency, while the vegetables come out tender and crisp. The best part is that you can get creative with your toppings and fillings.

Choosing the right chicken cut

• Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breasts: Many recipes recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breasts for air fryer chicken fajitas. This cut ensures even cooking and makes it easier to slice the chicken into strips or cubes. The absence of bones and skin also reduces the overall cooking time. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are tender and juicy when cooked properly in the air fryer.
• Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders, also known as tenderloins, are another excellent option for air fryer chicken fajitas. They are already in a strip form, making preparation easier. Chicken tenders tend to stay tender and moist, especially when cooked in an air fryer. They are also easier to work with and require less cutting and preparation time.
• Chicken Thighs: While most recipes suggest chicken breasts or tenders, you can also use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which can add flavour and juiciness to your fajitas. However, they may require a slightly longer cooking time and can be a bit more challenging to cut into uniform pieces.
• Cut Size and Thickness: Regardless of the chicken cut you choose, it's important to cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer. Aim for strips or cubes that are around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner pieces may dry out or overcook, while thicker pieces may require a longer cooking time.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: It's best to use fresh chicken for air fryer chicken fajitas. Frozen chicken may release additional moisture during cooking, affecting the texture and crispness of the final dish. If you must use frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the air fryer.

Remember, the key to choosing the right chicken cut is selecting a piece that is easy to work with, can be cut into uniform pieces, and will cook evenly in the air fryer. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts and chicken tenders are generally the most popular choices for this purpose.

Preparing the vegetables

First, select your vegetables. You will need bell peppers and onions as a base. Most recipes suggest using one red and one green bell pepper, but you can also add in a yellow pepper for a pop of colour. If you don't have red and green peppers, don't worry! Any colour bell pepper will work. You can also add in other vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, or even potatoes.

Next, slice your vegetables. Cut the peppers and onions into thin, even strips. You want them to be about 1/2-inch thick. Thinner slices will get more charred, while thicker slices will retain more crunch. If you are using zucchini, cut it into similar-sized slices.

Now, it's time to season your vegetables. Place your sliced vegetables into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add in a pinch of fajita seasoning or your own blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated.

Your vegetables are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Place them into the basket and cook at around 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-18 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired level of doneness. Remember to shake the basket or stir the vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and charring.

And that's it! You have perfectly cooked fajita vegetables that are crisp, tender, and full of flavour.

Making the seasoning

If you want to make your own, you will need the following:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Sugar

You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste preferences. However, a sample measurement could be:

• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• A pinch of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of sugar

Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. This seasoning mix will give your fajitas a nice kick without being too overpowering. The sugar will also help to caramelize the dish during cooking, adding to its beautiful colour.

If you are short on time or ingredients, you can use a store-bought fajita seasoning packet or use around 2 teaspoons of the seasoning for your chicken fajitas.

Cooking the fajitas

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook your chicken fajitas in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Cut your chicken breast into thin slices or strips. You can use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Also, slice your bell peppers and onions into thin strips or slices.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, peppers, and onions. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Add Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken and vegetables. You'll need about 1-3 tablespoons of oil, depending on the recipe. Then, sprinkle your favourite fajita seasoning over the mixture. You can use a store-bought fajita seasoning or make your own by combining spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix and Coat: Toss the ingredients in the bowl until everything is well coated with oil and seasoning. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at a temperature between 360-400°F (175-200°C) for about 5 minutes. Some air fryers have a preheat function, while others can be manually preheated by turning them on at the desired temperature.
• Place in Air Fryer Basket: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken and vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
• Cook: Cook your chicken fajitas at the desired temperature for 10-20 minutes. Most recipes recommend cooking at 360-390°F (175-200°C) for 10-18 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, stop the air fryer and shake the basket or stir the contents to ensure even cooking and charring.
• Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is complete, check to make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rest and Serve: Once the chicken fajitas are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, serve them with your choice of tortillas, rice, salad, or any desired toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, or cilantro.

Your chicken fajitas are now ready to be enjoyed! You can also squeeze some lime juice over the fajitas for added flavour.

Serving suggestions

Chicken fajitas are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried chicken fajitas:

Tortillas

The traditional way to serve fajitas is by wrapping the chicken and vegetables in a tortilla. You can use flour tortillas or corn tortillas, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Warm the tortillas before serving to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Rice Bowl

For a heartier meal, serve your chicken fajitas on a bed of rice. This can be plain rice or flavoured with Mexican spices or herbs. You could also use quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Salad

For a lighter option, serve your chicken fajitas on a bed of lettuce or mixed salad leaves. This can be a great way to increase your vegetable intake and add some crunch to your meal.

Toppings

There are several toppings that can enhance the flavour and texture of your chicken fajitas. Here are some ideas:

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime slices
• Jalapenos

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combinations.

Sides

You can also serve your chicken fajitas with some side dishes to make a complete meal:

• Rice
• Guacamole
• Mexican corn salad
• Salad
• Tortilla chips

Frequently asked questions