- Slice the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips. Do the same for the bell peppers and onion, ensuring that all slices are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Season the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then sprinkle with the fajita seasoning. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that your chicken fajitas start cooking immediately and evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Arrange in the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket, spreading it out in an even layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be tender with slightly charred edges.
Step 4: Serve the Fajitas
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, warm your tortillas either in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
- Assemble the Fajitas: Once the chicken and vegetables are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Cut Evenly: To ensure that everything cooks at the same rate, make sure the chicken and vegetables are sliced into uniform pieces.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more cayenne for a spicier kick, or leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add Some Smoke: For an extra layer of flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to your fajita seasoning.
Variations:
- Beef Fajitas: Swap out the chicken for sliced steak for a hearty beef version.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn for a vegetarian option.
- Shrimp Fajitas: For a seafood twist, use shrimp instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes, as shrimp cook faster.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken fajitas are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Tex-Mex dish at home. The air fryer allows you to cook the chicken and vegetables to perfection, with minimal oil and effort. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these fajitas are sure to be a hit. Serve them with all your favorite toppings and enjoy the delicious combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and warm tortillas.