10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas (Crispy Low Carb Recipe)
Craving restaurant Mexican? Try our easy 10 minute air fryer shrimp fajitas recipe. They're perfectly charred, juicy, keto-friendly, and require only one basket!
Ingredients
1 lb frozen shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
1 large red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
1 large green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
½ large white onion (sliced into thin strips)
1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
3 tbsp butter (melted, or high-quality avocado oil)
½ cup fresh avocado salsa (for serving)
1 large fresh lime (cut into wedges)
½ tsp garlic powder
A pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
Thaw your shrimp under cold water. Lay them out flat onto several sheets of heavy paper towels. Press another towel firmly over the top until they are completely dry on the surface.
Slice your red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and white onion into thin, uniform strips roughly ¼-inch thick so they all soften at the exact same speed inside the machine.
Place the dry shrimp and sliced vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Pour your melted butter or avocado oil over the top, then dump the taco seasoning packet, garlic powder, and salt across the ingredients. Toss heavily until coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange your seasoned shrimp and vegetable mixture into the basket in a single, even layer. Do not pile them too high, or they will steam instead of searing.
Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. Make sure to pull the basket out at the 5-minute mark to give it a heavy shake. Stop cooking once the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the pepper edges display a beautiful grill char.
Transfer the hot fajitas to a platter. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the top to activate the flavors. Top with cold avocado salsa and serve immediately with your favorite low-carb wraps.
Notes
Blot the Shrimp Bone-Dry: Do not rush the drying step! Any leftover water clinging to the shrimp will create steam inside the hot basket, ruining your chances of getting those gorgeous, crispy, charred restaurant-style edges. The Loose 'C' Shape Trick: Watch your shrimp carefully near the end of the timer. If they curl up into tight, firm little circles, they are overcooked. Pull them out when they form a loose 'C' shape to keep them tender. Shake the Basket Mid-Way: Always shake the basket thoroughly halfway through the cooking process. This redistributes the vegetables and ensures that every side gets direct exposure to the high-velocity hot air for an even sear. Meat Substitutions: To make this with chicken or steak, slice the meat into identical thin strips and increase the total cooking time to 15 to 18 minutes at 400°F to ensure the thicker proteins cook through safely. Reheat Only in Air Fryers: Never use a microwave for leftover fajitas, as it turns seafood completely rubbery. Pop leftovers back into the air fryer basket at 350°F for 2 minutes to restore the perfect texture.