If you’ve got 20 minutes, a few chicken breasts, and some peppers lying around, you’ve got everything you need to make these amazing Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. I’ve made these on lazy weeknights, for quick meal preps, and even for a casual dinner with friends—and they always hit. The air fryer gives the chicken that juicy center with slightly crisp edges, while the peppers and onions roast up tender with just the right amount of char.
It’s one of those “toss it all in a bowl, shake it up, and let the magic happen” recipes—and I love how healthy it is without even trying.
Why These Air Fryer Fajitas Are a Weeknight Hero
These fajitas come together with minimal prep, and the air fryer takes care of the rest. Here’s why they work so well:
- One bowl + one appliance = easy cleanup
- Perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy inside and golden outside
- Flexible on the veggies—add as many peppers and onions as you like
- No guesswork seasoning—just a fajita or taco packet makes it foolproof
- Ready in under 20 minutes, including prep and cook time
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 16–18 mins)
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Bell peppers (any colors), sliced—use as many as you like
- 1–2 onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita or taco seasoning mix
Optional toppings and sides:
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
- Shredded cheese
How I Make Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
1. Prep Everything
I start by slicing the chicken into even strips, along with a mix of bell peppers (I like to use red, yellow, and green for color) and onions.
2. Season and Toss
I place everything into a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle in the fajita or taco seasoning. Then I cover the bowl and give it a good shake—or toss it with tongs—until everything is evenly coated.
3. Air Fry
I preheat my air fryer to 360°F (182°C), then load in the chicken and veggie mixture in an even layer. I cook it for 16–18 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly. (In my Cosori 5.8 qt air fryer, this is the sweet spot.)
The chicken should be cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the veggies slightly charred but still tender.
4. Serve Hot
Once done, I serve the fajitas immediately with warm tortillas and a variety of toppings. If I’m going low-carb, I’ll skip the tortillas and serve it all over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice.
My Tips for the Best Fajitas Every Time
- Slice everything evenly: This helps everything cook at the same rate in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd: If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches so the food gets that nice roasted edge.
- Use a wire rack (if you have one): It lifts the food and helps everything get crispier.
- Make it spicy: Add chili powder or crushed red pepper to the seasoning mix if you like extra heat.
What I Serve With These Fajitas
These are delicious on their own, but here’s how I often round them out:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh corn salad
- Tortilla chips and guac
- Chilled margaritas or sparkling lime water
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and work great—just trim the fat and slice them into strips like the breasts.
Q: How do I make this ahead?
A: You can slice and season everything ahead of time, then store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook right before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes—just cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags. Reheat in the air fryer or a skillet for a quick meal later.
Q: Is it okay to skip the oil?
A: You can, but the olive oil helps everything crisp up and keeps the spices from drying out.
Why You’ll Want This in Your Weekly Rotation
These Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. Whether you serve them in tortillas, over rice, or even in a bowl with greens and avocado, they’re a hit every single time. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together after a long day—and still feel like you made something really good.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas That Are Juicy, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
- Toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet.
- Serve the chicken and veggies in the tortillas with your choice of toppings.
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