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chicken fajitas air fryer colorful

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Fajitas

Joy Brooks
Perfectly charred and tender chicken breast fajitas made in the air fryer with minimal oil and maximum flavor. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with less effort and fewer calories.
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Servings: 4 people
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285 kcal
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 14 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into ¼-inch strips against the grain
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into ¼-inch strips
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced into ¼-inch strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into ¼-inch strips
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano preferably Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas 6-inch diameter
  • Lime wedges, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, and salsa for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice into ¼-inch strips perpendicular to the muscle fibers (against the grain) to maximize tenderness.
  2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
  3. Place chicken strips in a medium bowl, drizzle with ½ tablespoon oil, and sprinkle with 2/3 of the seasoning mix. Toss until evenly coated. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to optimize flavor penetration.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine sliced bell peppers and onions. Drizzle with remaining ½ tablespoon oil and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mix. Toss until evenly coated.
  5. Set air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow to preheat for 3-5 minutes depending on your model's specifications.
  6. Arrange seasoned chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer with minimal overlap. Cook for 6 minutes.
  7. Open the air fryer and add the seasoned vegetables on top of the partially cooked chicken. Gently toss to integrate.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, opening halfway through to toss ingredients for even cooking.
  9. Check that chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer and that vegetables have developed light charring on edges while maintaining some firmness.
  10. While the chicken and vegetables finish cooking, warm tortillas according to package directions or in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side.
  11. Transfer fajita mixture to a serving plate. Serve with warm tortillas and desired toppings.

Note

  • For best results, ensure chicken and vegetables are cut to uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary for optimal browning.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to promote better browning.
  • The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F for food safety.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.