If you’re a fan of bold, vibrant flavors and want a quick, easy, and delicious meal, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas recipe! The beauty of using an air fryer for fajitas is that it cooks the shrimp and veggies to perfection with minimal oil, creating a healthier yet just-as-tasty version of this classic dish. Packed with smoky spices, tender shrimp, and caramelized veggies, these fajitas are bursting with flavor and make a fantastic meal any night of the week.
I love how versatile this recipe is – you can enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or even serve it up for a fun weekend gathering. Plus, the air fryer takes care of all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to worry about messy stovetop cooking or heating up the whole kitchen. Whether you’re a fajita aficionado or a newcomer to the world of Tex-Mex, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Shrimp is the star of this dish, offering a juicy and tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the fajita seasoning and vegetables.
Bell Peppers: A combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers gives a great pop of color and a mild sweetness that complements the savory shrimp and spices.
Onion: Onions add depth and sweetness to the fajitas, caramelizing beautifully in the air fryer. They also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Fajita Seasoning: This spice blend is essential for the authentic fajita flavor. It’s a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a smoky, slightly spicy base for the shrimp and vegetables.
Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the shrimp and vegetables while promoting a golden, slightly crisp texture as they cook in the air fryer.
Lime: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brings a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and veggies.
Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping up the flavorful shrimp and veggie mixture. You can also opt for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Ingredients list
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, for squeezing
- 8 small flour tortillas
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your shrimp and vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. If you haven’t done so already, peel and devein the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp and vegetables with olive oil and fajita seasoning, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the shrimp and veggies cook evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Cook the Fajitas
Place the seasoned shrimp and vegetables into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the vegetables should be tender with a slight char.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp and veggies are cooking, warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side.
Step 5: Assemble the Fajitas
Once the shrimp and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and toss gently. Serve the fajita filling in the warm tortillas.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the fajita seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you prefer your shrimp to be a little more charred, cook for an extra minute or two. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- You can also add a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese to customize your fajitas.
- For a healthier option, you can skip the tortillas and serve the shrimp and veggies in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of rice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
What can I use instead of fajita seasoning?
If you don’t have fajita seasoning, you can create your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I make these fajitas ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh, you can prep the shrimp and vegetables in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque in the center. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become tough and rubbery.
Enjoy these delicious, air fryer shrimp fajitas with your favorite toppings and sides! They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion.