Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas (In 15 Minutes)

My air fryer chicken fajitas come together in one basket, with juicy chicken and perfectly charred veggies in under 15 minutes. 

Air fryer chicken fajitas have replaced my stovetop version

My partner and I regularly enjoy chicken fajitas, and it’s one of our easier weeknight dinners. I’ve been curious how it would fare in the air fryer, and I’m kicking myself for taking so long.

I first tested it by cooking the chicken, then adding the peppers and onions later, but that just added an extra step, and the flavors didn’t meld as well. Instead, I cooked them simultaneously, and it delivered juicy chicken, tender veggies, and the right balance of flavor.

We usually enjoy them with corn tortillas and a side of guac, but I recently stuffed them into my cottage cheese flatbread with cheese to make quesadillas, and it rivaled my favorite Chipotle order!

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips. You can also use chicken tenderloins or chicken cutlets.
• Bell peppers and onions. I recommend slicing them into half-inch strips instead of anything thinner. The larger size cooks more evenly with the chicken breast.
• Fresh garlic. Controversial, but this is my secret ingredient in stovetop fajitas, and I’m bringing it to the air fryer too. I like adding a few cloves of garlic to add that extra punch of flavor that dried garlic just doesn’t match.
• Fajita seasoning mix. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use a store-bought blend (yes, Old El Paso’s is a classic), but I prefer my homemade mix that uses extra paprika and cumin. These two spices are often missing from packaged blends.
• Olive oil. You need some form of fat to help the seasoning mix adhere to the chicken and veggies. I usually use olive oil, but any oil works well.
• To serve. Honestly, whatever you like! I do sour cream, guac, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

How to make air fryer chicken fajitas

Step 1: Slice your chicken and veggies into strips. I keep the chicken about 1/2-3/4 inch and the veggies about 1/2 inch.

Step 2: Now, whisk the olive oil with the seasonings and fresh garlic. This forms the fajita seasoning mix.

Step 3: Add the chicken and veggies to a large bowl, then add the seasoning mix. I like to use my hands to coat everything properly.

Step 4: Transfer the seasoned chicken and veggies to the air fryer basket and spread out as much as possible. Unlike my other air fryer recipes, some overlap is okay here.

Step 5: Air fry for about 8 minutes, give everything a good shake, then air fry for another 4 minutes. The bell peppers and chicken should be crisp around the edges.

Step 6: Remove the chicken fajitas from the air fryer and stuff them into tacos or use them for quesadillas, burritos, or over some rice.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Cook in batches (if needed). My Philips XXL air fryer fits about 3 pounds of food (7.6 quarts), so I can comfortably fit everything in this recipe. If your air fryer is smaller, I recommend cooking the mixture over two batches.
• Don’t skip the shake. Shaking the mixture halfway not only promotes even cooking, but also gives the chicken and bell peppers caramelized, crisp edges.
• Use a meat thermometer. The veggies slow the overall cooking time, but it’s still important to be mindful so the chicken doesn’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer to double-check that it reaches 165°F.