When the clock’s ticking and the last thing you want is to fuss over dinner, this air fryer shrimp fajitas recipe steps in like a lifesaver. Using frozen shrimp along with colorful bell peppers and onions, it’s a vibrant, speedy dish that barely feels like cooking. The kitchen fills with the scent of smoky spices and sizzling seafood, promising a cozy meal with minimal effort.
I remember one evening when I was scrambling to get dinner on the table after a day packed with meetings. I grabbed the frozen shrimp, tossed them with veggies and spices, and popped everything in the air fryer. While the shrimp cooked, I tried to catch up on some emails but kept getting distracted by the spicy aroma teasing from the kitchen. The peppers softened just enough, the shrimp turned perfectly opaque, and those quick fajitas came together faster than I expected — though I might have left a few crumbs on the counter. It’s one of those meals that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to make, especially when time is short.
- Quick preparation and cook time—under 25 minutes total.
- Frozen shrimp means no thawing ahead of time, saving prep stress.
- Bright, colorful veggies add freshness and a little crisp bite.
- The seasoning blend is simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- It’s easy to adjust spice levels, but the recipe isn’t for anyone avoiding heat completely.
Even if you’re new to air frying, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward. It’s a solid choice for a weeknight when you want to impress yourself with a meal that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of babysitting.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp Fajitas with Frozen Shrimp
A quick and flavorful air fryer shrimp fajitas recipe using frozen shrimp, bell peppers, and onions. Perfect for a fast and easy weeknight dinner with minimal prep and delicious results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound frozen peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 small flour tortillas
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed shrimp, sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and sliced onion.
Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and vegetables, then sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Place the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches depending on your air fryer size.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through, and the vegetables tender-crisp.
Warm the flour tortillas in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes or in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
To serve, divide the shrimp and vegetables evenly among the tortillas.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over the top before folding the tortillas.
Serve immediately.
Don’t worry if your air fryer is on the smaller side; cooking in two batches works just fine. I usually just keep the first batch warm in the oven while the second cooks. Warming the tortillas in the air fryer takes just a minute or two, which I find helps keep the kitchen mess-free — no extra pans needed. For a little twist, I’ve tried swapping in some poblano peppers instead of one bell pepper, but I haven’t tested all combos thoroughly. Also, a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream can sneak in some creaminess if you’re feeling indulgent. Cilantro and lime finish the dish with that fresh zing that pulls everything together.
FAQ
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen? Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh shrimp might cook faster.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can roast the shrimp and veggies in a hot oven or cook them on the stovetop, though it may take a bit longer.
Are these fajitas spicy? They carry a gentle kick from the chili powder and red pepper flakes, but you can tone it down by using less spice.
How do I store leftovers? Keep the shrimp and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
When dinner feels like a whirlwind, this shrimp fajita recipe is a welcome pause. Give it a try next time you want something colorful, flavorful, and quick to pull together—your weeknight self will thank you.