Take your fajitas to the next level by flavoring them with this easy-to-make, perfectly balanced fajita seasoning.
Stocking your spice cabinet with homemade spice blends like Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, and Chili Seasoning and you are well on your way to adding incredible flavor to homemade dishes with minimal effort.
Why Homemade is Best
- Quality Control. Storebought fajita seasoning is often made with added MSG, sugar, corn products, and fillers. Not to mention it is high in sodium. By making the seasoning yourself, you can control the level of sodium and leave the sugar, allergens, and preservatives on the shelf.
- Amazing Flavor. Made with aromatic garlic powder and onion powder, this seasoning blend has just the right level of spice and smokiness, that will elevate and enhance fajitas and Tex-Mex dishes.
- Versatile. While this fajita spice blend is the obvious seasoning choice for Veggie Fajitas and Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, this Tex-Mex seasoning can be used in more than just fajitas!
What is the Difference Between Taco Seasoning and Fajita Seasoning?
While very similar in flavors, there is a difference between Taco Seasoning and Fajita Seasoning. Fajita seasoning is made with less chili powder and no oregano. It is much milder in flavor and does not overpower a dish. Instead, this seasoning elevates the peppers, onions, and protein in classic fajitas.
Ingredients in Fajita Seasoning
- Chili Powder: Be sure to use American chili powder, as some European blends are actually quite a bit spicier.
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Kosher Salt
- Pepper
Recipe Modifications
- Like things spicy? Increase the cayenne pepper.
- Sensitive to spice? Omit or decrease the cayenne pepper to cut back on the spice level in this homemade fajita spice blend.
- Add a smokey element to the spice blend. Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika to add a smokey undertone to the spice blend.
- Reduced-Sodium/Salt-Free Fajita Seasoning: This Homemade Fajita Seasoning already has less sodium than store-bought blends. However, to significantly reduce the sodium even further you can completely omit the salt or cut it in half to significantly reduce the sodium.
∗ important to remember ∗
For the most impactful fajita seasoning, be sure to use dried spices that are not nearing their expiration date. I recommend giving them a sniff. If they don't have much of a smell, it is time to toss them.
Storage Instructions
Fajita Seasoning should be stored in an air-tight container or jar and in a cool, dark place like your spice cabinet or pantry.
While certainly safe to use much longer, homemade spice blends are best used within 6 months of preparation for the most intense flavor.
Ways to Use Fajita Seasoning
Obviously, Fajita Seasoning is great anytime you are making fajitas. But it can be used in a variety of creative ways OR as a 1:1 replacement for taco seasoning.
- Change up traditional tacos by swapping out Taco Seasoning with fajita seasoning.
- Season Instant Pot Corn on the cob with melted butter and sprinkle with fajita seasoning for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Add lime juice and fajita seasoning to steamed rice, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, or Instant Pot Jasmine Rice for a simple, flavorful rice dish.
- After cooking pinto or black beans using my recipe for Instant Pot Beans, add 2-3 teaspoons of Fajta seasoning and use the flavorful beans to any Tex-Mex dish.
Fajita Recipes
However you use this recipe for Fajita Seasoning, I hope it adds just the right kick of flavor to your meal! And if you gave it a try, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.
Homemade Fajita Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the spices with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and then transfer to an airtight container or spice jar.
- Store in airtight container for up to 6 months in pantry or spice cabinet. Use as directed in any recipe that calls for fajita seasoning.
Jess
Tastes just like restaurant fajitas!! It’s a perfectly balanced seasoning.!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing, Jess! Love hearing you enjoyed the seasoning so much!
Ann
I’ve never made homemade fajita seasoning before as I always had store bought. This blend was so much better than a premium name brand from the store! It’s your seasoning blend from now on! Thank you! I love your recipes!
Kristen Chidsey
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed, Ann! Thank you for sharing!
Deborah
Followed your vegetable fajita and seasoning receipe to the letter and it worked out fantastic . It was also so simple , easy and scrumptious .
Having leftovers tonight. Really brillant meal for us vegetarians .
Thank you 👏👏
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear you enjoyed Deborah! It is a favorite here as well!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh I love hearing that Shadi! Fajitas are always loved by company (especially when the seasoning is just right!)
Brandi
I love this recipe because making your own seasoning is so important. This combination of flavors is delish and exactly what we needed!
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! I am so glad this flavored up your fajitas well Brandi!