Air Fryer Steak Fajitas and Veggies

Ingredients

For the Flank Steak Marinade:

• 1.5 lb (600g) flank steak, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or fajita/taco seasoning, not cayenne pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 minced garlic cloves

For the Fajita Veggies:

• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil (a drizzle)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow or white onion, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak:
   • Place the flank steak strips in a large bowl. Add all the marinade ingredients: chili powder, onion powder, cumin powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic cloves.
   • Toss the steak strips to coat them evenly. I prefer using my hands to ensure everything is well mixed.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours. For a quick marinade, 30 minutes will suffice, but if you have time, letting it marinate for a few hours will enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Fajita Veggies:
   • While the steak marinates, place the sliced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the veggies evenly.
3. Air Fry the Veggies:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
   • Add the veggie mixture to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The veggies should be tender and slightly browned.
4. Air Fry the Steak:
   • After the veggies have cooked for 10 minutes, add the marinated steak strips on top of the veggies in the air fryer basket.
   • Air fry for an additional 7 minutes (check at 5 minutes for doneness). The steak should be cooked through but still tender, with a slight browning on the edges.
5. Serve:
   • Once the steak and veggies are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
   • Serve with tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any other toppings of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
   • The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, aim for 1-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, a 30-minute marination will still work well.
2. Adjust Spice Levels:
   • If you prefer spicier fajitas, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade. For a milder flavor, you can skip the chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning.
3. Customize the Veggies:
   • Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the air fryer. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook the Veggies First:
   • Cooking the veggies first ensures they have time to become tender and caramelize before adding the steak. It also helps the steak stay juicy and tender without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of steak?
   • Yes! You can substitute skirt steak or sirloin steak for the flank steak. These cuts will work well and still give you a tender, juicy fajita.
2. How long should I marinate the steak?
   • Marinate for at least 30 minutes for a quick flavor boost. For better flavor, marinate for 1-4 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 8 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.
3. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce?
   • While both sauces add depth of flavor, you can skip them if needed. The marinade will still work without them, but you may want to add a little extra salt or seasoning to make up for the missing umami.
4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   • You can cook the steak and veggies in a skillet. For the veggies, sauté them in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until tender. For the steak, cook it in a hot skillet for about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness.
5. Can I use frozen veggies?
   • It’s best to use fresh veggies for this recipe to get the right texture and caramelization. If you use frozen veggies, they may release too much moisture and become soggy.

Notes

• Substituting Steak: You can use skirt steak or sirloin steak instead of flank steak. Both will work well in this recipe.
• Marination Time: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the steak for just 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 8 hours as the lime juice can break down the steak and make it mushy.
• Veggie Cooking: The fajita veggies will cook further once you add the steak, so don’t worry if they’re not fully tender after the initial 10 minutes.
• Serving Suggestions: These fajitas are delicious when served with tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. You can also top them with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Leftover fajita steak and veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fajita filling (steak and veggies) for up to 4-6 months in a tightly sealed freezer-safe bag. Note that tortillas should not be frozen with the filling.