Recipe

Quick Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Bowls

Juicy, smoky-spiced chicken with blistered peppers and onions, all done fast in the air fryer. Pile it over rice, greens, or chips with a zippy lime yogurt sauce.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A real photograph of an air fryer basket filled with sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions with browned edges, with lime wedges on the side on a kitchen counter

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Some nights you want dinner to be loud with flavor but quiet in effort. Enter these Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Bowls: tender chicken, char-kissed peppers and onions, and a creamy lime sauce that tastes like you tried harder than you did. The air fryer basically does that sizzling skillet thing without the splatter, and the whole situation comes together in about 20 minutes.

Make it a bowl, tuck it into tortillas, or do what I do at midnight and scoop it up with tortilla chips straight from the sheet pan. No judgment, only crunch.

A real photograph of a finished fajita bowl with sliced chicken, peppers and onions, rice, and a drizzle of lime yogurt sauce in a white bowl on a wooden table

Why It Works

High heat, fast cook: The air fryer caramelizes edges quickly, so you get that fajita char vibe without babysitting a pan.
Smart seasoning: A simple spice mix plus lime makes everything taste bigger, brighter, and more restaurant-y.
Built-in meal flexibility: Serve over rice, greens, quinoa, or tortillas. Same cook, different mood.
Sauce = instant upgrade: The lime yogurt sauce cools the heat, adds tang, and ties the whole bowl together.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store chicken and veggies together in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sauce separate so it stays punchy and creamy.

Reheat: For best texture, reheat fajita mix in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until hot. Microwave works, but you will lose some crisp edges, and yes, I will mourn them with you.

Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and veggies (no sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Leftover glow-up: Chop leftovers smaller, crisp in the air fryer for 2 minutes, then pile on nachos with cheese. Suddenly it is “game night.”

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy. Cook time may run 1 to 3 minutes longer depending on thickness. Aim for 165°F internal temperature.

What if I do not have an air fryer?

Use a hot skillet or sheet pan. Skillet: cook chicken first, then peppers and onions, then toss together with lime. Sheet pan: roast at 450°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once.

Why are my peppers getting soggy?

Too much crowding or too much moisture. Pat chicken dry, do not overload the basket, and cook in two batches if needed. Also, cut peppers and onions a little thicker so they blister instead of steam.

Is this spicy?

It is gently warm as written. For more heat, add cayenne, chipotle powder, or sliced jalapeño.

For less, skip the chili powder and lean on smoked paprika and cumin.

What should I serve this with?

Rice, cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, black beans, corn, avocado, pickled onions, or warm tortillas.

Basically anything that enjoys a squeeze of lime.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
Large mixing bowl
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Instant-read thermometer (recommended for stress-free chicken)
Small bowl and whisk or spoon for sauce

This recipe was born on a weeknight when I opened the fridge, saw chicken and three slightly dramatic bell peppers, and decided I deserved fajitas without the full stovetop soap opera. The air fryer gave me those crisp edges I chase, the lime sauce made everything taste like a reward, and suddenly my “random leftovers dinner” turned into something I would absolutely brag about to a friend. Which I did. Repeatedly.