When I’m craving something colorful, full of flavor, and ready in minutes, shrimp fajitas are one of my go-to meals. They’re the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell incredible — a mix of sizzling peppers, onions, and smoky spices. But instead of heating up a skillet, I love using my air fryer. It’s fast, it keeps the shrimp juicy, and it gives the vegetables that perfect tender-crisp texture without much oil.
I’ll admit, this recipe is one of those “how is it this easy?” moments. You toss everything in a bit of seasoning, pop it in the air fryer, and dinner’s done before you know it. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, these air fryer shrimp fajitas bring restaurant-level freshness straight to your table — minus the fuss.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: Choose large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The air fryer cooks them quickly, so they stay tender and juicy. Shrimp are naturally sweet and take on the fajita seasoning beautifully.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds both color and a hint of sweetness. When they roast in the air fryer, they get slightly charred edges that bring out their natural flavor.
Red Onion: Slightly sharp when raw but turns sweet when cooked. Red onion adds depth and a little crunch that balances the shrimp’s softness.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick to the shrimp and veggies while promoting that golden, roasted finish. You don’t need much — just enough to coat everything lightly.
Fajita Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of lime zest makes the shrimp and veggies burst with flavor. You can use store-bought, but homemade seasoning always tastes fresher.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime before serving adds brightness and ties all the flavors together. It’s the final touch that brings the dish to life.
Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas make the perfect base to wrap up all that sizzling goodness. Warm them briefly before serving for that authentic fajita experience.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1 lime, juiced
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, salsa
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables
Place the peeled shrimp, sliced bell peppers, and red onion into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the top. Toss everything until it’s evenly coated and glossy with spices.
Step 2: Air Fry the Fajita Mix
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the shrimp and vegetable mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and the veggies slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp fajitas are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side or wrap them in foil and heat them in the air fryer for a minute.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once everything’s cooked, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and veggies. Load up each tortilla with the sizzling mixture, then top with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro if you’d like.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: If you add too much at once, the shrimp won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh shrimp when possible: Frozen works fine, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
- Adjust the heat: Add cayenne or jalapeño if you love spice, or keep it mild for family-friendly fajitas.
- Preheat the air fryer: This ensures your shrimp start sizzling the second they hit the basket.
- Make it a meal: Serve with rice, black beans, or a simple salad for a balanced plate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding oil and seasoning so they crisp up nicely.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas taste great. Corn offers a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and veggies in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. Cook them fresh in the air fryer right before serving.
What toppings go well with shrimp fajitas?
Avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkle of queso fresco are all delicious additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover shrimp and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to keep that perfect texture.