Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (2024)

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (1)

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In This Post

  • How To Make Instant Pot Steak Fajitas
  • What To Serve With Instant Pot Steak Fajitas
  • Instant Pot Steak Fajitas FAQs
  • Instant Pot Beef Fajitas Storage Instructions
  • More Keto Instant Pot Recipes
  • Tools To Make
  • Instant Pot Steak Fajitas RecipeRecipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

These Instant Pot fajitas are incredibly easy to make and take just 15 minutes! One of the advantages of making steak fajitas in the Instant Pot is that they cook faster, but also, there is much less hands-on time than the traditional stovetop method. That means they’re easier to make if you’re busy, plus they make a delicious and healthy dinner, too. Make ’em with homemade fajita seasoning for maximum flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier! Let me walk you through fajitas in the Instant Pot:

  • Slice. Briefly freeze the steak so that it’s easier to slice, and then slice thinly against the grain.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (2)

  • Season.Toss the steak with a tablespoon of fajita seasoning.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (3)

  • Saute. Heat oil in the Instant Pot on the “Saute” function. Brown the steak on both sides, but don’t cook through. It’ll only take a minute or two per side!

TIP: Brown the steak in batches, so that you don’t crowd the pot. If it’s too crowded, your meat will steam. You need a single layer for it to brown properly.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (4)

  • Combine Instant Pot fajitas ingredients. Add all of the steak into the Instant Pot, and top with vegetables and remaining fajita seasoning. Stir to coat, then add broth and lime juice.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (5)

  • Pressure cook. Close the lid, seal, and set to High Pressure for 2 minutes. It will take some time to come to pressure, and once time is up, use Quick release to release pressure immediately.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (6)

What To Serve With Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Instant Pot fajitas are served the same way as the regular kind. I recommend:

  • Your favorite tortillas or wraps – I like to use almond flour tortillas, lettuce wraps, or just eat it as a bowl
  • Sliced avocado
  • Salsa – Especially tomatillo avocado salsa verde!
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream

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Instant Pot Steak Fajitas FAQs

What cut of steak should I use?

Fajitas are typically made with flank steak or skirt steak. Both work great and become very tender when you use them for fajitas.

What kind of seasoning to use for pressure cooker fajitas?

This pressure cooker steak fajitas recipe uses my homemade fajita seasoning that contains tenderizer. You can use a store bought version if you like, though.

Are Instant Pot steak fajitas healthy?

Yes, these fajitas are an easy way to make a protein and veggie-rich meal. Serve with some sliced avocado for some healthy fats.

Can I make this Instant Pot fajita recipe with chicken?

Yes, you could certainly swap the steak out for sliced chicken. The process would be the same.

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Instant Pot Beef Fajitas Storage Instructions

Can you make this ahead?

You can make these steak fajitas instant pot recipe ahead, but the beauty of Instant Pot recipes is that they are quick and easy! I recommend making them right before serving.

You could slice the steak, peppers, and onions to prep ahead.

TIP: If your fajita seasoning contains tenderizer, don’t add it ahead of time. Otherwise, your meat will be too mushy.

How to store Instant Pot skirt steak fajitas

Store these steak fajitas in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You could also use your leftovers to make a Mexican-style omelette!

Can you freeze this?

Yes, you can freeze fajitas for 1-2 months. However, they are really best fresh and don’t take very long to make, anyway.

How to reheat Instant Pot steak fajitas

Reheat Instant Pot steak fajitas in a hot skillet for best results, or in the microwave, until heated through. It doesn’t really make sense to add back to the Instant Pot to reheat.

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe | Wholesome Yum (9)

More Keto Instant Pot Recipes

If you like these fajitas in the Instant Pot, you might like some of my other keto Instant Pot recipes:

  • Instant Pot Egg Bites – This 4 ingredient recipe tastes just like the expensive egg bites at Starbucks. Make them at home for a great on-the-go breakfast or snack.
  • Pressure Cooker Corned Beef – Just 10 minutes to prep this classic recipe that will leave your corned beef perfectly tender in just 90 minutes.
  • Broccoli Cheese Casserole – Everyone loves this broccoli casserole. Ready in just 15 minutes!
  • Instant Pot Boneless Short Ribs – Easy short ribs recipe with just 5 ingredients, they turn out perfect every time.
  • Instant Pot Chicken Breast– Tender, shreddable, ideal for meal prep.
  • Instant Pot Keto Chili – So meaty and satisfying, with no beans!

Tools To Make

Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.

  • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker – Can’t make steak fajitas in the Instant Pot without an Instant Pot – and it’s really all you need to make this! This is similar to the one I have, but is the newest edition.

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Recipe Card

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Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe

EASY Instant Pot steak fajitas are a delicious and healthy dinner. These steak fajitas in the Instant Pot take just 5 minutes to prep + 7 minutes to cook.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 7 minutes

Total: 12 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 4 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

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Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Toss the steak in a tablespoon of fajita seasoning.

  2. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and adjust temperature to “More” (by pressing “Saute” repeatedly until the screen says “More”). Add a tablespoon of oil and half the steak in a single layer. Saute for about 1-2 minutes per side, not to cook through but just to brown the steak. Remove and repeat with the remaining steak. Add the steak that was cooked from the first batch back to the pot.

  3. Add the vegetables and sprinkle with remaining fajita seasoning. Stir vegetables if needed to coat in seasoning. Add the broth and lime juice.

  4. Close the lid and close the vent to the Sealing position. Press the “Manual” button and set to 2 minutes on High pressure. Use the Quick Release to release pressure immediately.

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Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 lb steak fajitas + 3/4 cup vegetables, or 1/4 entire recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories256

Fat12.5g

Protein26.8g

Total Carbs9.2g

Net Carbs6.2g

Fiber3g

Sugar5g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Main Course

Cuisine:Mexican

Keywords:Instant Pot fajitas, Instant Pot steak fajitas, steak fajitas in the Instant Pot

Calories: 256 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We'd LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Easy Steak Fajitas In The Instant Pot

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FAQs

How do you cook fajita meat so it's not tough? ›

Steak for fajitas should be cooked to rare or medium-rare for the best texture and flavor. 3. Slice thinly, against the grain. Cutting meat against the grain into thin strips shortens the muscle fibers, reducing the amount of work you have to do to chew them, and making even tough cuts taste tender.

Do you cook steak before cutting fajitas? ›

Fajita meat is marinated and grilled before it is cut into strips and served. The best way to get a tender slice of meat is to cut perpendicular to (across) the grain of the meat.

Why are my steak fajitas tough? ›

If your beef fajitas are chewy, it is likely because you cut the steak in the wrong direction, or because you didn't give it time to properly marinade. Cut the Beef Against the Grain. Slicing meat against the grain helps tenderize it.

When cooking fajitas do you cook meat or veggies first? ›

This recipe promises to be a one-pan dinner, but to ensure that the chicken's juices don't steam the vegetables — making them soggy — cook the vegetables first. Transfer them to a plate or cutting board, then cook the chicken in the same pan before bringing things together.

What is the best steak to use for fajitas? ›

Skirt steak is the traditional cut used for fajitas. It used to be inexpensive, but now it's not so cheap; oftentimes flank steak costs less. Either will be a good choice.

What is the best tender meat for fajitas? ›

Steak: Flank steak is what's typically used for steak fajitas. But you can also use sirloin steak or skirt steak (similar to my carne asada recipe). Steak Fajita Marinade: A simple yet flavorful combo of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper — that's it!

What cut of meat do Mexican restaurants use for fajitas? ›

Steak Fajitas: While skirt steak is the traditional cut of meat used in fajitas, other cuts of steak can also be used, such as flank steak or sirloin steak. The steak is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled with onions and peppers.

Is it better to cut steak before marinating? ›

Experts recommend marinating from the night before or very early in the morning, leaving it to rest in the fridge and covering the marinade with clingfilm. Also, keep in mind that cutting the flank steak into steaks should be done before marinating.

What kind of onion for fajitas? ›

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right onion for your fajitas. You can go for the traditional white or yellow onions, offering a more savory option, or experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla to add a subtle sweetness to your dish.

What tenderizes skirt steak? ›

Skirt steak is actually tender all on it's own as long as you slice it against the grain and thinly. A good marinade will help too. You don't need to pound it to death. For fajitas like tenderness you can marinate in papaya enzymes you can buy online or marinate in papaya juice freshly made.

Do fajitas need onions? ›

What makes a fajita a fajita? A traditional fajita filling is made up of onions, bell peppers and protein, all cooked in that distinctive sweet and savoury seasoning and topped with your choice of dressings.

Do onions go on fajitas? ›

Onions are an essential ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and when it comes to making mouthwatering fajitas, they play a starring role.

How do I get my fajita meat tender? ›

Marinating the flank steak is a crucial part of the fajita recipe. A marinade adds more flavor to the meat and makes it more tender, because the acid in the marinade helps to break down the muscle and proteins in the meat before cooking.

How do you cook skirt steak so it isn't tough? ›

Skirt steak is thin and lean, so going past medium-rare or medium doneness will yield an extremely dry and chewy steak. Cook it hot! Cook it fast with high heat, instead of low heat for slow cooking. There is not much connective tissue in skirt steak.

How do you soften tough meat when cooking? ›

The first is to submerge meat in cooking oil (sunflower or olive oil) before you start cooking. The oil is absorbed and softens the meat. The second method is to add some vinegar while you're cooking and the vinegar will begin to tenderise the meat.

How do you soften the toughest meat? ›

Pound it out. Pounding softens and tenderizes meat, making it easier to cut and eat. One of the easiest — and cleanest — ways to do this is to sandwich the meat between a couple pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and pound it before cooking.

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