There’s something magical about fajitas sizzling away — that irresistible aroma of seasoned chicken mingling with sweet bell peppers and onions. The best part? You don’t have to fire up a cast iron skillet or stand over the stove to get that restaurant-style flavor. My air fryer does all the heavy lifting for me in just 12 minutes, and the results are tender, juicy chicken with a smoky fajita seasoning that’s pure comfort food.
I’ve made this recipe so many times that it’s become my go-to for quick weeknight dinners. It’s perfect when I want something hearty without spending forever in the kitchen. Whether I tuck the chicken into warm tortillas, serve it over rice, or pile it high on a salad, the flavors never disappoint. Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need and how to make it perfect every single time.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook evenly in the air fryer and stay juicy when sliced into strips. They also soak up all the seasoning beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Bell peppers: The classic fajita trio is red, yellow, and green peppers. Not only do they add vibrant color, but each has its own subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Red onion: Slightly sweeter than yellow onions, red onions caramelize wonderfully in the air fryer, adding depth and a hint of sharpness to balance the peppers.
Olive oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the seasoning cling to the chicken and veggies while also promoting that perfect charred edge in the air fryer.
Fajita seasoning: You can use store-bought for convenience, but I love mixing my own with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. It gives a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy kick.
Lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end wakes up all the flavors, adding brightness and a fresh, citrusy note.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 ½ tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lime, juiced
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Fajitas Chicken
Step 1: Prep the chicken and vegetables
Slice the chicken breasts into even strips so they cook at the same rate. Cut the bell peppers and onion into thin slices for that classic fajita look and texture.
Step 2: Season generously
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the fajita seasoning. Toss well to coat everything evenly — every piece should be glossy and coated with spice.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the seasoned mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if there’s a little overlap, but don’t overcrowd to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook to perfection
Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 5: Add the finishing touch
Once cooked, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and veggies. Give everything a gentle toss to coat with that zesty brightness before serving.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the olive oil — it helps achieve that slightly charred, restaurant-style finish.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Warm your tortillas in the air fryer for the last minute of cooking for soft, toasty wraps.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time by 1–2 minutes if needed.
Do I have to use three colors of peppers?
Not at all — use whatever bell peppers you have on hand. The flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and season the chicken and veggies in advance. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then air fry when ready.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop them back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F to bring back the texture without drying out the chicken.