Description
Recreate authentic, smoky Abuela-style fajitas in just 20 minutes using an air fryer. This recipe features juicy marinated chicken, charred peppers and onions, and fresh toppings served over rice or in tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Flour or corn tortillas
- White rice or cilantro lime rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Slice bell peppers into 1/2-inch strips and cut onion into wedges, keeping the root end intact. Toss veggies in a separate bowl with avocado oil, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Without turning off the air fryer, arrange pepper and onion strips in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes until edges are blackened and blistered.
- Warm tortillas in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes if serving in tacos or wraps.
- To assemble bowls, start with a base of warm rice. Top with black beans, charred chicken, and veggies. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Do not skip preheating the air fryer to ensure proper charring. Cut all ingredients uniformly for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this causes steaming instead of crisping. For a vegan version, substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu. For low-carb, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer, chicken fajita bowls, healthy dinner, meal prep, mexican food, quick recipes, weeknight dinner, smoky chicken