To make chicken fajitas in an air fryer, slice 1 1/2 lb of chicken breast and three bell peppers and an onion into strips, toss with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, lime and fajita spices, and air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F. Dinner is ready in about 25 minutes at roughly 270 calories per serving before tortillas.
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp fine salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
To serve: warm corn or whole-wheat tortillas, cilantro, lime wedges, Greek yogurt or salsa
How Do You Make Chicken Fajitas in an Air Fryer?
Prep: Cut the chicken into even 1/2-inch strips and slice the peppers and onion about the same width so everything cooks at the same rate.
Season: Mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss the chicken with half the oil, the lime juice and half the spice mix, and toss the vegetables with the rest.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Put the chicken in one basket and the peppers and onion in the other, in loose layers. Air fry at 400°F: the vegetables for 10 to 12 minutes and the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking both baskets halfway.
Check: The chicken is done when the thickest strip reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. The vegetables should be tender with charred edges.
Serve: Combine the chicken and vegetables, squeeze over fresh lime and serve in warm tortillas with cilantro, salsa or a spoon of Greek yogurt.
Dual basket tip: Chicken goes in basket 1 (400°F, 15 minutes) and the peppers and onion in basket 2 (400°F, 11 minutes). Press Sync or Smart Finish and both baskets finish at the same time, so nothing steams while it waits.
New pick: Kitchen Elite 12-Qt Dual BasketTwo zones let you cook this in one and a second dish in the other, then finish both together.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of the filling, without tortillas): about 270 calories, 9 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 10 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 39 g protein and about 500 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw chicken breast, bell peppers, onion and olive oil. Two 6-inch corn tortillas add about 100 calories.
What Goes Well With Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas?
Sides: our crispy chickpeas or a simple black bean and corn salad
Bowls: serve over cilantro lime rice or cauliflower rice with salsa and avocado
Lighter wraps: swap tortillas for butter lettuce cups
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Shrimp fajitas: use 1 1/2 lb peeled shrimp and air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes
Steak fajitas: use thin-sliced flank steak, 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes
Veggie fajitas: add zucchini and mushrooms and a can of drained black beans
Spicier: add 1/4 tsp cayenne or a minced chipotle in adobo
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook chicken fajitas in the air fryer?
Air fry 1/2-inch chicken strips at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until they reach 165°F. Pepper and onion strips take 10 to 12 minutes.
Should you cook the chicken and peppers together?
You can, but separate baskets work better. The vegetables release water and finish sooner, so a dual basket air fryer lets you cook each one exactly right and finish them together with Sync or Smart Finish.
Are air fryer chicken fajitas healthy?
Yes. We estimate about 270 calories, 39 g protein and 9 g fat per serving of the filling, using 1 1/2 tbsp of oil for four servings. Tortillas and toppings are extra. These are estimates.
Can you use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless thighs stay juicier; air fry them at 400°F for 14 to 16 minutes to 175°F. They add a few grams of fat per serving.
Can you make fajitas with frozen peppers?
Yes. Do not thaw them; air fry frozen pepper strips at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking twice, and pat off extra moisture before serving.
How do you store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate the filling for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
