Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

Dinner does not get much easier or more flavorful than these air fryer steak fajitas The sizzling combination of seasoned steak slivers tossed with sweet peppers and onions delivers a restaurant style meal right at home without turning on the stove or grill Thanks to the air fryer this recipe comes together fast with minimal mess and super tender results

My family raved the first time I made this The peppers were perfectly tender and that vinaigrette put it over the top We now ask who gets the last scoop of steak filling every time

Ingredients

• Green bell peppers: bring sweetness and crunch choose firm peppers with shiny skin
• Red onion: adds tangy bite and color look for onions with tight papery skin
• Olive oil: helps everything crisp in the air fryer a full flavored extra virgin makes a difference
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder: amplify every bite use sea salt and freshly ground pepper for best results
• NY Strip Steaks: the classic choice for juicy tender strips select steaks about one inch thick with good marbling
• Ground cumin, dried cilantro, chili powder, cayenne: these spices build the bold Tex Mex flavor opt for fresh dried spices for stronger taste
• Lime juice: brightens the entire dish always use fresh limes for the most vibrant flavor
• Fajita size flour tortillas: warm and pliable best when heated just before serving
• Sour cream: creamy and cooling look for full fat sour cream
• For the Chipotle Vinaigrette
• Chipotle peppers in adobo: bring smoky heat start with two peppers and add more if you like it hot
• Red wine vinegar: balances the richness choose a good quality vinegar
• Honey: adds subtle sweetness use real honey for flavor depth
• Minced garlic: sharpens the vinaigrette use freshly minced for best results
• Oil: creates an emulsion a neutral oil like avocado or light olive works well
• Oregano, salt, pepper, cumin: finish the dressing with more herby spice

Instructions

Prepare the veggies:

Slice the green bell peppers into thin strips Slice the red onion into similar sized strips Toss them together in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil a generous sprinkle of salt pepper and garlic powder Stir well so every piece is evenly seasoned

Air fry the veggies:

Pour the seasoned peppers and onions into your air fryer basket Spread them out for even cooking Air fry at four hundred degrees for about thirteen minutes Shake the basket once or twice midway You want everything cooked but still a bit crisp

Season and prep the steak:

While the veggies cook trim your NY Strip steaks of any large fat pieces Slice thinly across the grain for tender bites Toss the strips in a bowl with olive oil salt pepper cumin dried cilantro chili powder cayenne and juice from one lime Stir until every piece is gleaming with spice

Cook the steak:

Remove cooked peppers and onions from the air fryer and set aside Add the steak strips to the empty hot air fryer basket Spread in a single layer for even browning Cook at four hundred degrees for five to seven minutes checking at the five minute mark to keep your preferred doneness The edges will get a nice sizzle

Make the chipotle vinaigrette:

Add chipotle peppers honey red wine vinegar garlic oregano salt and pepper to a food processor Pulse until everything is finely chopped With the processor running drizzle in the oil slowly until emulsified Scrape down the sides Add a pinch more salt or vinegar to taste

Warm the tortillas:

Wrap fajita size flour tortillas in a damp towel Microwave for about twenty seconds until soft and pliable This helps them fold easily around the fillings

Assemble the fajitas:

Lay a warm tortilla on your plate Layer with a scoop of cooked peppers and onions Top with juicy steak Drizzle with chipotle vinaigrette and dollop on sour cream Fold it up and enjoy hot

I always reach for NY Strip when making these fajitas It stays tender in the air fryer and slices easily My kids love sneaking extra peppers on their plates and we celebrate bright colors at the table

Storage Tips

Store any leftover filling steak veggies and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the fridge Steak keeps best for up to three days To reheat use the microwave or pop everything back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that sizzle I do not suggest freezing cooked peppers and onions as they can turn soft but leftover steak actually freezes well for future salads or wraps

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chicken thighs or sliced portobellos if you want a lighter or meatless version No green bell peppers Use any color you have Even poblano peppers add wonderful flavor Flour tortillas are classic but corn tortillas or low carb wraps work fine

Serving Suggestions

Serve steak fajitas family style with all the toppings in bowls Pile on shredded cheese pickled jalapenos or extra lime wedges For a colorful party platter arrange sliced steak veggies and tortillas with small bowls of guacamole and chipotle vinaigrette

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Steak fajitas originated in Tex Mex kitchens and traditionally were cooked quickly on cast iron This air fryer twist keeps them speedy with less cleanup During summer grill fresh corn and serve it alongside In cooler months bulk up the filling with roasted butternut or zucchini The smoky chipotle dressing pays homage to the bold flavors of Northern Mexico

Seasonal Adaptations

Winter sub in roasted sweet potatoes or squash for peppers Spring fresh asparagus or snap peas add vibrant crunch Summer grilled corn or cherry tomatoes bring sweetness

Success Stories

A neighbor tried this recipe for her busy weeknight and her teenager asked for seconds My aunt froze the leftover steak in small zip bags and made quesadillas for easy lunches Both said they loved the flavor boost from that chipotle sauce

Freezer Meal Conversion

Slice and freeze raw steak and veggies with spices in a zip bag When ready to cook dump straight into the air fryer and add time as needed Cooked steak also freezes well in portions for meal prepping

Make these fajitas on your busiest weeknight for a well deserved treat The air fryer makes things so easy and you will have restaurant flavor at the dinner table in under an hour

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of steak works best for fajitas?

NY strip steak is recommended for its tenderness and rich flavor, but flank or skirt steak are also great alternatives.

→ How thin should the steak slices be?

Slicing the steak into thin strips ensures even cooking and helps the meat remain tender inside the air fryer.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, reduce the cayenne or chipotle in the vinaigrette for a milder dish, or increase for more heat as desired.

→ What are the best toppings?

Fresh lime juice, sour cream, and a drizzle of chipotle vinaigrette complement the warm tortillas and savory filling nicely.

→ Is it possible to use other vegetables?

Absolutely. You can add red or yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini for extra color and texture.