Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

This Air Fryer Steak Fajitas recipe brings together tender New York Strip steak, vibrant bell peppers, and onions all seasoned perfectly and wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that can easily become your weeknight favorite, especially with the creamy chipotle sauce that takes it to the next level. I’ve been impressed every time I make it because the steak comes out juicy and flavorful without the need for a grill or stove.

I first tried these fajitas when I wanted a nofuss steak dinner, and now it’s one of my goto meals when I want something quick but special. Even my husband, a total steak critic, always asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• New York Strip steak: sliced three inches long against the grain to keep the meat tender and easy to eat choose fresh, bright red meat with little marbling for best results
• Green and red bell peppers: sliced for sweetness and color pick firm peppers with shiny skins for crisp texture
• Yellow onion: sliced to add savory depth and sweetness as it cooks a firm onion without spots works best
• Avocado oil: for a mild flavor and high smoke point, perfect for air frying
• Fresh lime juice: brings brightness and balance always go for fresh limes over bottled for the best zing
• Fajita seasoning packet: adds the smoky, spicy flavor combo classic to fajitas you can also make your own for a fresher taste
• Flour tortillas: are soft and perfect for wrapping all the juicy fillings switch to corn or lettuce wraps if preferred
• Cilantro: chopped fresh for an herbaceous finish omit if you aren’t a fan or find the taste offputting
• Cilantro lime rice: offers a fragrant side but can be swapped out or skipped depending on preference
• Sour cream: is the base for the delicious chipotle cream sauce, lending cool creaminess
• Chipotle sauce: brings smoky heat to the cream sauce find it in Mexican foods aisle, or substitute with taco sauce if unavailable
• Smoked paprika: adds depth and a gentle smoky flavor to your cream sauce regular paprika works in a pinch
• Kosher salt: for seasoning the cream sauce and balancing flavors
• Granulated sugar: helps tame and blend the chipotle sauce’s heat and acidity

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Prepare your veggies: Slice the green and red bell peppers along with the yellow onion evenly. These will cook quickly and add crunch and sweetness to your fajitas.

Marinate the Steak and Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine the sliced New York Strip steak, sliced peppers and onions, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice. Toss everything until fully coated, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse the veggies with citrus brightness.

Season Generously:

Sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly over the steak and vegetable mixture. Toss again to ensure every bite has that savory, spicy flavor classic to fajitas.

Chill or Cook Immediately:

You can cook the mixture right away or marinate it up to one hour to deepen flavors. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to get it ready for cooking.

Create the Chipotle Cream Sauce:

In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, chipotle sauce, granulated sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and fresh lime juice. Stir until smooth then refrigerate until it’s time to serve. This sauce adds a smoky creaminess that perfectly complements the savory steak and veggies.

Cook the Vegetables First:

Add just the peppers and onions to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Give the basket a good shake halfway through to promote even cooking and soften the veggies while keeping some crispness.

Add the Steak:

After the peppers and onions have softened, spread them out evenly and place the steak slices on top. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes depending on your preferred level of doneness check the internal temperature to get it just right.

Warm the Tortillas and Serve:

While the steak finishes cooking, warm your tortillas either in a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven. Once everything is cooked, assemble your fajitas by layering steak and peppers on the warmed tortillas, topping generously with the chipotle cream sauce and fresh cilantro.

Optional Sides:

Serve with cilantro lime rice or your favorite Mexican style rice for a complete meal. Squeeze extra lime juice over the fajitas right before eating to brighten flavors.

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My favorite ingredient in this recipe has to be the chipotle cream sauce. It’s smoky, spicy, and creamy all at once and really elevates the fajitas from simple to unforgettable. I remember one family dinner where everyone went back for thirds just because of the sauce. It’s a total crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer or a skillet to keep the steak tender and the peppers just right. The cream sauce should be stored separately and used fresh when serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ribeye or sirloin steak work wonderfully in place of New York Strip, providing similar tenderness. For a budgetfriendly option try flank or flat iron steak but be sure to slice against the grain for tenderness. Corn tortillas or lettuce wraps accommodate dietary preferences or add variety. You can swap chipotle sauce for another spicy taco sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic Mexican sides like chips and salsa, guacamole, or refried beans. Fresh avocado slices or a sprinkle of shredded cheese add a creamy, rich finish. For heat lovers, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on top are fantastic.

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These air fryer steak fajitas are fast, flavorful, and family friendly. Don’t forget the chipotle cream sauce for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of steak works best for these fajitas?

New York Strip is ideal for tenderness, but ribeye or sirloin can be great alternatives. Flank or flat iron steaks also work well for a budget-friendly option.

→ How should the steak be sliced for best results?

Slice the steak against the grain in 3-inch long pieces to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.

→ Can I substitute the chipotle cream sauce?

Yes, you can replace chipotle sauce with taco sauce or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

→ How long should I cook the steak for different doneness levels?

For medium-rare, cook 5-6 minutes; medium, 7-8 minutes; medium-well, 9-10 minutes, adjusting based on your air fryer and preferred doneness.

→ What sides pair well with the fajitas?

Serve alongside chips and salsa, guacamole, queso dip, or cilantro lime rice for a well-rounded meal.

→ Can chicken be used instead of steak?

Yes, simply cook chicken in the air fryer until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10-15 minutes.