Instant Pot Fajitas

I like making Instant Pot fajitas. It’s such a good hack for busy days, because aside from chopping, the Instant Pot does most of the work. The result is tender, well-seasoned beef and flavorful vegetables wrapped in warm tortillas.

Instant Pot beef fajitas are also good for those new to the world of Instant Pot recipes. This particular recipe is simple, helping you learn how to use your pressure cooker before tackling more complex recipes.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Fajitas

• Beef top sirloin steak: We opt for sirloin here because it becomes tender and juicy in a pressure cooker.
• Ground cumin: Earthy and fragrant cumin is often used in Mexican dishes.
• Seasoned salt: Typically, this salt is “seasoned” with a mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne and paprika.
• Chili powder: Use mild or medium chili powder, whatever your family prefers.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: This amps up the heat, so be careful!
• Lemon juice: The acidity helps tenderize the meat as it cooks.
• Garlic: To mince the garlic, use a garlic press, chef’s knife or Microplane.
• Sweet red pepper: These add some sweetness and a pop of color to the fajitas.
• Onion: Use yellow onion here for a sweet-savory balance.
• Flour tortillas: To warm the tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels and heat in the microwave for 10 seconds.
• Toppings: We like sliced avocado, jalapeno peppers, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh tomatoes.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the beef

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In a bowl, toss the steak with cumin, salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes. Select the saute setting on a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. Adjust for medium heat, then add oil. When the oil is hot, brown the meat in batches and remove.

Step 2: Pressure-cook the beef

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Add the water, lemon juice and garlic to the cooker. Stir to loosen any browned bits. Press cancel. Return the beef to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Release the pressure

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Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Remove the steak with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the vegetables

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Add the red pepper and onion to the cooker. Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick-release the pressure.

Serve the vegetables and steak with tortillas and desired toppings.

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Instant Pot Fajitas Recipe Variations

• Use a slow cooker: I also like making fajitas in a slow cooker, which creates extra-tender meat.
• Make fajita bowls: Skip the tortillas and serve the meat and vegetables in a bowl with cooked rice or quinoa.
• Add color: Use a variety of red, orange and yellow bell peppers to brighten the plate.

How to Store Instant Pot Fajitas

Store pressure-cooker fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can store the meat and vegetables together, but we recommend keeping the tortillas separate and stored according to package directions.

Can you freeze Instant Pot fajitas?

Yes, store leftover beef in the freezer for up to two months. We’d recommend against freezing the peppers because they will become soft when thawed. You can also freeze the tortillas separately.

How do you reheat Instant Pot fajitas?

Reheat beef and peppers in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Instant Pot Fajitas Tips

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Can you make this dish gluten-free?

Easily. Just use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour, or don’t use tortillas at all.

What should I serve with pressure cooker beef fajitas?

Serve your Instant Pot steak fajitas with a side of Mexican rice and  refried beans. You could also upgrade your sliced avocado by transforming it into guacamole. For the over-21 crowd, don’t forget a margarita.

What’s the difference between an Instant Pot and a pressure cooker?

An Instant Pot is an electric, programmable pressure cooker, which is why you’ll often see us using the terms interchangeably. They effectively take the same approach to cooking, using pressure to speed up the process so you can get tender, juicy meals much, much faster than traditional methods.