AIR FRYER SHRIMP & PEPPER FAJITA BOWL

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This is one of those meals that looks like you spent a lot of time in the kitchen, but in reality it comes together in under 20 minutes. Everything cooks together in the air fryer: juicy shrimp, tender-crisp peppers, sweet onions, and bold fajita spices that coat every bite.

Whether you eat it straight from the bowl, over rice, or wrapped in warm tortillas, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want something satisfying without turning on the stove.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS SO WELL

Let’s start with why this dish is such a winner:

  • Shrimp cook extremely fast, making them perfect for the air fryer.

  • Bell peppers and onions soften without getting mushy.

  • High heat + oil + spices creates caramelization and deep flavor.

  • One basket, one bowl = easy cleanup.

  • Naturally high in protein and low in carbs.

It’s the kind of meal you can make once and then repeat weekly without getting bored.

🧾 INGREDIENTS (BASE RECIPE)

Main ingredients

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
    (tails on or off — your choice)

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings (fajita spice blend)

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional finishing ingredients

  • Fresh lime wedges

  • Chopped cilantro

  • Avocado slices

  • Warm tortillas or cooked rice

🍤 STEP 1: PREP THE SHRIMP PROPERLY

This step is very important for texture.

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water.

  2. Remove shells and veins if not already done.

  3. Place shrimp on paper towels.

  4. Pat completely dry.

Why drying matters:

  • Excess moisture = steaming instead of roasting

  • Dry shrimp brown better and taste more flavorful

  • Prevents rubbery texture

👉 This alone can take your shrimp from “okay” to restaurant-level.

🌶️ STEP 2: PREP THE VEGETABLES

  1. Wash the bell peppers.

  2. Remove seeds and membranes.

  3. Slice into thin strips.

  4. Peel and slice the onion into similar-sized pieces.

Tip:

Try to keep all pieces roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly.

🥣 STEP 3: SEASON EVERYTHING

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Add the shrimp, peppers, and onions.

  2. Drizzle with olive oil.

  3. Sprinkle in all the spices:

    • Paprika

    • Garlic powder

    • Onion powder

    • Cumin

    • Chili powder

    • Salt and pepper

  4. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.

Flavor tip:

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes if you have time — it helps the spices bloom.

🧺 STEP 4: PREP THE AIR FRYER BASKET

  • Line the basket with air-fryer-safe parchment paper.

  • Make sure the parchment has holes or leaves space for airflow.

Why parchment works here:

  • Prevents shrimp from sticking

  • Catches seasoning and juices

  • Makes cleanup effortless

(Unlike fries, shrimp don’t need maximum crisping, so parchment is perfect.)

🔥 STEP 5: AIR FRY

  1. Transfer everything to the air fryer basket.

  2. Spread into a single layer as much as possible.

  3. Set air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

  4. Cook for 8–10 minutes.

Halfway through:

  • Pull out the basket

  • Shake or stir gently

  • Return to finish cooking

⏱️ HOW TO TELL WHEN IT’S DONE

The dish is ready when:

  • Shrimp are opaque and curled into a loose “C” shape

  • Edges are lightly browned

  • Peppers are tender but still slightly crisp

  • Onions are soft and lightly caramelized

⚠️ Overcooking shrimp makes them tough, so check at 8 minutes.

🍋 STEP 6: FINISH & ADJUST

Once out of the air fryer:

  1. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.

  2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

  3. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using.

This final step brightens everything and balances the spices beautifully.

🍽️ HOW TO SERVE YOUR FAJITA BOWL

Option 1: As a bowl (low-carb)

  • Eat straight from the bowl

  • Add avocado slices or salsa

Option 2: Over rice

  • White rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice

  • Great for meal prep

Option 3: In tortillas

  • Warm flour or corn tortillas

  • Add sour cream, guacamole, or cheese

Option 4: Fajita salad

  • Serve over chopped romaine

  • Add lime vinaigrette

🔁 VARIATIONS YOU’LL LOVE

🌶️ Spicy Shrimp Fajitas

  • Add cayenne or crushed red pepper

  • Finish with hot sauce

🧄 Garlic-Lime Shrimp

  • Add fresh minced garlic

  • Extra lime zest

🥭 Tropical Twist

  • Add pineapple chunks in last 3 minutes

  • Sweet + spicy combo

🥩 Chicken Version

  • Replace shrimp with thin-sliced chicken breast

  • Increase cook time to 12–14 minutes

🧊 MEAL PREP & STORAGE

Storage

  • Refrigerate in airtight container

  • Keeps well for 3 days

Reheating

  • Air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes

  • Or stovetop over low heat

  • Avoid microwave if possible (shrimp toughen)

⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Not drying shrimp

  • Overcrowding the basket

  • Overcooking shrimp

  • Skipping the shake halfway

  • Under-seasoning (shrimp love bold flavor)

💡 PRO TIPS

  • Frozen shrimp? Thaw completely and dry well.

  • Use shrimp size 21–25 for best results.

  • Pre-mix seasoning in bulk for quick meals.

  • Add onions on top if you like them more crisp.

❤️ FINAL THOUGHTS

This Air Fryer Shrimp & Pepper Fajita Bowl is:

  • fast enough for weeknights

  • impressive enough for guests

  • healthy without feeling boring

  • endlessly customizable

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