Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

Why Air Fryer Steak Fajitas Are a Must-Try

These Air Fryer Steak Fajitas combine tender, flavorful steak strips with vibrant peppers and onions, all seasoned to perfection. The air fryer makes the cooking process quick, efficient, and mess-free, making this recipe a favorite for busy weeknights.

Highlights of the Recipe:

Perfectly cooked steak with bold fajita seasoning.
Vibrant peppers and onions add color and crunch.
Simple, quick, and easy to prepare.
Keto-friendly, low-carb, and ideal for meal prepping.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

Steak

Choose a cut like NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Slice it into thin strips for quick, even cooking.

Peppers

A combination of poblano and red bell peppers adds both flavor and visual appeal. Poblanos add a mild kick, while bell peppers keep things sweet and balanced.

Onion

Thinly sliced yellow onion offers a subtle sweetness that complements the savory steak.

Fajita Seasoning

A blend of spices gives the dish its classic Tex-Mex flavor. Store-bought or homemade fajita seasoning works perfectly.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil helps coat the steak and veggies, ensuring a golden, slightly crispy finish.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Cilantro

Freshly chopped cilantro adds a pop of freshness and is a perfect garnish.

Garlic Salt

Adds a hint of garlic flavor while seasoning the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Steak Fajitas in the Air Fryer

1. Marinate the Steak

Combine the steak strips, ½ tablespoon olive oil, ½ tablespoon fajita seasoning, garlic salt, and the juice of one lime in a mixing bowl.
Toss everything until well coated. Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.

2. Prep the Air Fryer and Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine sliced red bell pepper, poblano pepper, and yellow onion.
Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining fajita seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Pour the seasoned vegetables into the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

4. Add the Marinated Steak

After 7 minutes, add the marinated steak strips to the basket with the partially cooked vegetables.
Air fry for another 7–9 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your steak. Shake the basket midway through cooking.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the fajitas to a serving dish.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

1. Marinate for Flavor

Letting the steak marinate enhances its flavor and ensures it stays tender during cooking.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Starting with a hot air fryer ensures your steak and veggies cook quickly and evenly while locking in their juices.

3. Cook in Stages

Cook the vegetables first to avoid overcooking the steak.

4. Avoid Overcrowding

To achieve even cooking and a slight char, make sure the air fryer basket isn’t overloaded. Cook in batches if necessary.

Serving Ideas for Steak Fajitas

1. Tacos and Burritos

Fill warm tortillas with steak and veggies. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

2. Fajita Bowls

Serve over a base of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of lime juice.

3. Fajita Salad

Layer steak and veggies over fresh greens and garnish with a creamy dressing.

4. Quesadillas

Place the fajita mixture between tortillas with shredded cheese. Grill until golden and crispy.

5. Stuffed Peppers

Fill halved bell peppers with the fajita mixture, top with cheese, and bake until tender.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

1. Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

2. Freezer

Freeze cooked fajitas in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

3. Reheating

Reheat in a microwave or a preheated air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Alternatives

Swap the steak with chicken or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Vegetables

Add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower for variety.

Spice Levels

Use jalapeños for extra heat or stick to bell peppers for a mild flavor.

FAQs About Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

1. How Long Should You Cook Steak in an Air Fryer?

Steak strips typically cook in 7–9 minutes, depending on their thickness.

2. How Do You Keep Steak Tender?

Slice the steak against the grain to make it tender. Avoid overcooking for the juiciest results.

3. Can You Cook Frozen Steak?

Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly. Marinating thawed steak yields the best flavor.