Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw chicken completely and pat dry before slicing. For frozen veggies, thaw and drain very well—otherwise, they’ll release too much water and steam instead of roast.

What’s the best way to cut the chicken and veggies for fajitas?

Slice chicken into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, and cut veggies into similarly sized sticks or strips. This helps everything cook evenly, giving you juicy chicken and tender-crisp veggies.

Can I make these fajitas ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and veggies, toss everything with seasoning, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying. After cooking, store as directed above and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Spread seasoned chicken and veggies on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway. You’ll still get wonderful flavor and char.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, tenders, or breasts, sliced into ¼” thick strips; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips; 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips; 1 large zucchini, cut into sticks; 1 red onion, sliced into half moons; Seasoning & Oil; 2 Tbsps homemade taco seasoning; 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon or lime

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that’s just as fresh as takeout (but so much healthier and quicker), these Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are for you. Tender strips of juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and crisp zucchini are tossed in a zesty homemade taco seasoning, then air-fried to sizzling perfection. Best of all, this recipe comes together in less than 25 minutes—including prep! It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for anyone craving something satisfying with minimal effort and even less cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: This recipe is crazy quick. Slice, season, air fry—and you’re set for dinner in under half an hour.
Vibrant and Flavorful: With homemade taco seasoning and fresh lemon or lime, every bite bursts with tangy, smoky, and spicy notes.
Effortlessly Healthy: Lean chicken breasts or thighs, loads of colorful veggies, and minimal oil make this as wholesome as it is delicious.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily tweak the veggies or protein based on what you love (or need to use up in the fridge).
Low Mess: The air fryer means no standing over a hot stove and zero greasy cleanup. It’s a weekday lifesaver!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings these chicken fajitas to life, plus why each one earns its spot:

Chicken Thighs, Tenders, or Breasts: The star! Slicing them thin ensures quick cooking and bite-sized perfection. Use thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner choice.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely sunny color to your mix.
Red Bell Pepper: For a pop of color and slightly sharper sweetness.
Large Zucchini: Sliced into sticks, this sneaks some extra veggies in and soaks up the spices beautifully.
Red Onion: Sliced thin; it mellows in the air fryer into something slightly sweet and deeply savory.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: For smoky, spiced flavor without any weird additives. Adjust the heat or smokiness to taste.
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Just a little to keep everything coated and promote caramelization. Avocado oil’s higher smoke point is perfect for the air fryer!
Lemon or Lime, Juice and Zest: The secret to bright, punchy flavor that wakes up the whole dish. Lime if you like classic fajita tang; lemon works in a pinch.
Optional Garnish: Sliced green onions add a fresh crunch and burst of color just before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Swap the Veggies: Don’t have zucchini? Use mushrooms, snap peas, or thin strips of carrot. Broccoli works too, but cut it small for even cooking.
Go Spicy: Love heat? Add sliced jalapeños or an extra pinch of cayenne to the taco seasoning.
Try Different Proteins: Thinly sliced steak or shrimp work just as well—just adjust the cook time (shrimp will be done in about 8 minutes).
Vegetarian Fajitas: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or cubes of pressed, drained tofu for a plant-based spin.
Cheesy Finish: After cooking, sprinkle on a little shredded cheddar or pepper jack while everything’s still hot.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Slice your chicken into thin strips (about ¼ inch thick). Cut bell peppers into strips, zucchini into sticks, and onion into half-moon slices. Keeping pieces uniform ensures everything cooks at the same rate.

2. Season Everything

In a large bowl, toss chicken and veggies together. Sprinkle over the taco seasoning, then drizzle with oil and the juice and zest of your lemon or lime. Mix well so every piece gets coated in seasoning and citrus.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F and preheat for about 4 minutes. Preheating helps kick-start that caramelized, slightly charred exterior you love in fajitas.

4. Air Fry to Perfection

Transfer the seasoned mixture to your air fryer basket. Spread it out in an even layer—don’t overcrowd! Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway so everything crisps evenly. The chicken should be cooked through and veggies lightly charred at the edges.

5. Garnish and Serve

Scoop everything onto a platter. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Dinner is ready!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Evenly: Uniform chicken and veggies guarantee evenly cooked, juicy fajitas every time.
Don’t Overcrowd: Too much in the air fryer at once? Cook in two batches so the ingredients can roast instead of steam.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: Make a big batch and keep it on hand to spice up any meal, not just fajitas.
Mix Well: Use your hands or tongs to really toss the chicken and veggies with seasoning, oil, and citrus—it makes a big flavor difference.

How to Serve

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are endlessly versatile. Here’s how to enjoy them:

Classic Style: Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas—pile on the filling and add a squeeze of lime.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Swap tortillas for a bowl of fluffy grains for a lighter option.
Toppings Party: Offer bowls of salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, sour cream, cheese, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce. Let everyone build their own ideal fajita!
Salad Bowl: Turn leftover fajitas into a vibrant salad with greens, black beans, and avocado.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice and beans for easy grab-and-go lunches all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight—leftovers are amazing!

Freezing

Freeze cooked fajita chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Pop leftovers in the air fryer at 350ºF for 4-5 minutes, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the air fryer keeps the veggies crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw chicken completely and pat dry before slicing. For frozen veggies, thaw and drain very well—otherwise, they’ll release too much water and steam instead of roast.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken and veggies for fajitas?

Slice chicken into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, and cut veggies into similarly sized sticks or strips. This helps everything cook evenly, giving you juicy chicken and tender-crisp veggies.
Can I make these fajitas ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and veggies, toss everything with seasoning, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying. After cooking, store as directed above and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Spread seasoned chicken and veggies on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway. You’ll still get wonderful flavor and char.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas aren’t just easy—they’re vibrant, healthy, and satisfying enough to make you forget all about takeout. With bold, zesty flavor and that signature sizzle, weeknight dinners just got a lot more exciting (and less stressful). Whether you stick to the classic or branch out with your own favorite combos, have fun with it—taste everything, experiment, and claim this simple, tasty meal as your own. Go ahead, give it a try tonight!