There are evenings when you come home craving something that feels like a treat but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. This recipe for Air Fryer Shrimp Fajita Bowls hits that sweet spot. It’s a lively mix of spicy, smoky shrimp and tender sautéed peppers and onions, all served over fluffy rice. The air fryer gives the shrimp a perfect sear without fuss, while the veggies soften just right, carrying a hint of caramelization that makes every bite sing.

I remember the first time I made these bowls—trying to juggle a call on speakerphone while tossing the shrimp in spices. Somewhere between the chili powder and the sizzle in the air fryer, I realized I’d forgotten to preheat it fully, but honestly, it didn’t matter much. The shrimp still came out juicy and flavorful, and that quick char on the peppers made all the difference. It’s the kind of recipe that’s forgiving enough to handle a distracted cook, which I often am.

Why You’ll Love It:

The shrimp cooks in about 6 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table before you know it.
The combination of smoky spices and fresh lime juice keeps things vibrant and fresh.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated marinades or long prep.
While the air fryer is great for texture, you can probably pan-cook the shrimp if you’re in a pinch.

Just a quick note: the rice base is what ties everything together, but if you’re not a rice person, try a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice instead. It might not be traditional, but it works.

Air Fryer Shrimp Fajita Bowls

Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp Fajita Bowl featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, sautéed bell peppers and onions, served over fluffy rice for a delicious and healthy meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked white rice
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
While the shrimp cooks, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
Top each bowl of rice with sautéed peppers and onions, then evenly distribute the cooked shrimp on top.
Garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro and a lime wedge.
Serve immediately, squeezing lime juice over the bowls before eating.

Kitchen Notes: This recipe leans on your air fryer, but if you don’t have one, a skillet will do just fine—just keep an eye on the shrimp so they don’t overcook. For a little extra crunch, you could toss in some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the bell peppers for poblano or even a mix of colorful sweet peppers. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for a bit more heat, but that’s not for everyone. The lime wedge is crucial; squeezing it over right before eating really brightens the whole bowl.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your spices are plain.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the veggies and cook the rice in advance, but the shrimp is best cooked fresh to keep that tender texture.

Give this Air Fryer Shrimp Fajita Bowl a try tonight and see how a simple, speedy meal can still be full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Once you taste that first bite, you might find yourself reaching for the lime again—and again.