Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Quick & Easy!)

Fajitas are delicious, but buying a pre-made fajita seasoning packet at the grocery store can be expensive and unhealthy. By making your own fajita seasoning you can save money and customize your ingredients. Here, I’ll show you how to make your own fajita seasoning in 5 minutes flat!

We all love a good fajita. They are right up there with tacos! But store-bought fajita seasoning packets come with lots of unwanted ingredients, and when compared to the cost of making a jar at home, are definitely more expensive. So it just makes sense to make your own homemade fajita seasoning.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning in an open jar with a small scoop resting inside.

The Difference Between Fajita And Taco Seasoning

The differences can vary from recipe to recipe. But generally speaking, a taco seasoning spice blend has a larger amount of chili powder, while fajita seasoning has more cumin. The spices used are similar, but in different proportions which create a different flavor.

Do You Need Sugar In Fajita Seasoning?

Nope! In fact, most homemade recipes avoid it completely. If you wish to add it, keep the amount small. It should help enhance the overall flavor, not sweeten the dish you use this in. Where you will usually find sugar added is in store-bought spice packets. They are well known for adding sugar where none is actually needed.

Is Fajita Seasoning Spicy?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. And generally speaking, if there is any kick to this seasoning, it’s going to be the very slight amount that comes from the chili powder. So basically, no. It’s not spicy. But if you want it to be, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper to take things up a notch.

What To Use Fajita Seasoning On

While the obvious answer is, fajitas, you can really use this seasoning on any Mexican or Spanish dish you want to make. It’s a good, general seasoning mix that will work for tacos, burritos, beef, chicken, or even fish in some cases.

An overhead view looking down into an open container of Homemade Fajita Seasoning.

How Do You Make Fajitas?

In a large bowl, whisk together enough oil to coat your meat and veggies along with some lime juice and 2-3 tbsp. of fajita seasoning. (See suggestions for how much to use below). Cut your chicken or steak into strips as well as some onions and bell peppers (red onions are best, but yellow are good too). Mix everything together and marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes (but not longer than 2 hours).

When you’re ready to cook, pour the contents of the bowl into a large skillet and sauté everything together until the meat is cooked.

Serve with some flour tortillas and your favorite toppings. (See below for topping suggestions).

What Steak Do You Use For Fajitas? 

While skirt steak is typically what most people use for fajitas, it can be a little pricy. So if price is an issue, look for flank steak. It’s just as good, and often more affordable.

A side view of a jar filled with Homemade Fajita Seasoning.

What Chicken Do You Use For Fajitas

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easiest to slice, but can end up a little on the dry side. They are pricier too. If you prefer to avoid that, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are just as easy to slice, tend to stay a bit more moist and tender, and are often a more affordable cut of meat.

Best Vegetables For Fajitas

Traditional fajitas are made with bell peppers (any color you prefer) and red onions (though I’ve seen them served with yellow onions frequently as well). Red onions are a bit more on the sweet side and tend to offer up a better caramelized flavor.

Best Condiments For Fajitas? 

The best condiments or toppings for fajitas are going to be a good guacamole and some sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you prefer that). Some folks love shredded lettuce and tomatoes on their fajitas as well. In my mind, that always tends to border more on a taco or burrito. If you love cilantro, you can be really generous with that here! But add what you like best!

Can You Use Fajita Seasoning For Tacos?

You can! While the balance of flavors are a bit different, you can definitely use fajita seasoning for tacos, and taco seasoning for fajitas. Both flavors are similar enough to be easily intherchangeable.

Individual white ramekins filled with ingredients to make this Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe, on a white, wooden surface.

What’s In Fajita Seasoning?

(You can print this recipe from the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

2 tsp. chili powder

1½ tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tbsp. onion powder (or onion granules)

2 tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground black pepper

How To Make Fajita Seasoning

All the Homemade Fajita Seasoning spices sitting in small piles inside a white bowl.

Place all the spices in a mixing bowl and combine.

All the spices for this Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe blended together in a white bowl. A whisk rests at the side of the bowl.

Mix well using a whisk or fork.

The finished Homemade Fajita Seasoning in an open jar with a small scoop sitting inside.

Store in a jar for use.

How Much Homemade Fajita Seasoning Do You Need?

For a good strong flavor, the best approach is to use 1 tbsp. per pound of meat. You can adjust up or down based on your personal tastes, but that’s a gauge to start with.

How To Store Fajita Seasoning

As with any of the spices in your pantry, simply put this in a jar with a tight fitting lid and store in the cupboard.

How Long Does Fajita Seasoning Last?

Here again, this is just like your other spices. So on average, this spice mix will last for 2 to 3 years if stored properly.

Need Spice Jars For Storage?

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

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Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix

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Homemade Fajita Seasoning in an open jar with a small scoop resting inside.

Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Delicious fajita seasoning for making fajitas any night of the week!
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Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 5 tbsp.
Calories: 18kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp. onion powder (or onion granules)
  • 2 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place all the spices in a mixing bowl and combine.
    All the Homemade Fajita Seasoning spices sitting in small piles inside a white bowl.
  • Mix well using a whisk or fork.
    All the spices for this Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe blended together in a white bowl. A whisk rests at the side of the bowl.
  • Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
    The finished Homemade Fajita Seasoning in an open jar with a small scoop sitting inside.

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data given here is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp. | Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 482mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 654IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

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