Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

This Air Fryer Steak Fajitas recipe brings together tender New York Strip steak, colorful peppers, and onions all seasoned perfectly and cooked quickly in the air fryer. The fajitas are finished with a creamy homemade chipotle sauce that adds just the right amount of smoky heat. It’s a simple dinner that feels special and delivers big flavor without the fuss.

I first tried cooking steak fajitas in the air fryer on a hectic weeknight and was surprised how evenly it cooked while keeping the meat juicy. It quickly became a favorite go to weeknight meal around here, especially since my steak loving husband approves wholeheartedly.

Ingredients

• New York strip steak: sliced against the grain, about 3 inches long, tender and flavorful cut ideal for fajitas
• Green and red bell peppers: sliced, provide sweetness and color, pick firm peppers without soft spots
• Yellow onion: sliced, adds a mild savory sweetness, look for firm onions with dry outer skins
• Avocado oil: good for high-heat cooking, mild flavor that won’t overpower
• Fresh lime juice: brightens and balances the flavors more than bottled lime juice
• Fajita seasoning packet: pick a seasoning blend you enjoy or make your own for freshness and control
• Sour cream for chipotle cream sauce: creamy base that tones down the heat
• Chipotle sauce: smoky and spicy, check Mexican aisle or specialty brands for canned chipotle sauce
• Granulated sugar: rounds out the sauce’s flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds depth with subtle smokiness, a good quality smoked paprika makes a difference
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors evenly
• Flour tortillas: warm before serving for pliability, corn tortillas or lettuce wraps work as well
• Fresh cilantro chopped (optional): bright herbaceous note, omit if you dislike cilantro
• Cilantro lime rice (optional): serves as a flavorful, easy side, any good brand or homemade rice works

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare the Sauce:

First, mix together chipotle cream sauce by combining sour cream, chipotle sauce, sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.

Marinate the Steak and Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine sliced New York strip steak, green and red bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice. Toss everything so it is evenly coated. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture and toss again to distribute the spices thoroughly. You can cook immediately or marinate for up to one hour for more flavor penetration.

Preheat Air Fryer and Cook Vegetables:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Add only the peppers and onions to the air fryer basket and cook for five minutes. Midway, shake the basket to ensure even cooking and browning.

Add Steak and Finish Cooking:

After the initial vegetable cook, layer the marinated steak on top of the vegetables in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes depending on your desired steak doneness (see cooking times below). Shake or stir halfway through so everything cooks evenly.

Warm the Tortillas and Assemble:

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Divide the cooked steak and vegetables evenly onto each tortilla. Top with the chilled chipotle cream sauce and fresh cilantro if using. Serve alongside cilantro lime rice if desired and garnish with extra lime wedges for squeezing.

My absolute favorite part is the homemade chipotle cream sauce. It’s creamy with a smoky kick yet still cool enough to keep the fajitas balanced. This recipe brings back memories of casual family dinners where everyone customized their fajita fillings and loaded up on toppings, making it fun and interactive.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find New York Strip, ribeye or sirloin steaks are good substitutes for tenderness. For a budget-friendly option, flank or flat iron steak works well but may require a bit more careful slicing against the grain. You can swap avocado oil with any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil is fine but has a stronger flavor. For the fajita seasoning, feel free to make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Corn tortillas or lettuce wraps make a delicious alternative to flour tortillas, especially if you want a gluten-free or lower-carb option. If you don’t have chipotle sauce, a combination of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers or your favorite taco sauce plus a dash of smoked paprika will also work.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fajitas with freshly made guacamole, pico de gallo, or sliced avocado for contrast and freshness. A side of Mexican rice or refried beans makes the meal more substantial and traditional. Offer toppings such as shredded cheese, jalapeños, and extra lime wedges for guests to customize their fajitas. A cold cerveza or margarita pairs beautifully with this flavorful dish for a casual party vibe.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover steak fajitas components stored separately when possible to avoid soggy tortillas. The steak and vegetables can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat the steak and veggies in the air fryer or oven to preserve texture instead of the microwave whenever possible. Chipotle cream sauce stays fresh for several days in the refrigerator, just give it a stir before serving again.

These air fryer steak fajitas are an easy weeknight meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Make the chipotle cream sauce ahead to save time and keep everything fresh.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of steak works best for fajitas?

New York Strip, ribeye, or sirloin are ideal for tender, juicy fajitas. Flank or flat iron steaks offer budget-friendly alternatives.

→ How should I slice the steak?

Slice against the grain in thin strips about 3 inches long to keep the meat tender and easy to enjoy.

→ Can I substitute chicken for steak in this method?

Yes, chicken cooks well in the air fryer when sliced similarly. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, around 10-15 minutes.

→ What are ideal cooking times for steak doneness?

Medium-rare cooks 5-6 minutes, medium 7-8 minutes, and medium-well 9-10 minutes. Always check internal temperature for best results.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

Sliced avocado, fresh salsa, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime all enhance flavor and add variety to each serving.

→ How long can leftovers be stored safely?

Keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 5 days for best taste and safety.