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Skip the packet — this homemade fajita seasoning blend is bold, smoky, and incredibly easy to mix up with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking juicy chicken, tender steak, or quick shrimp fajitas, this DIY spice mix gives you full control over the flavor and heat level.
It’s naturally free from fillers, and you can adjust the blend to your liking — with optional sugar for a touch of sweetness or cornstarch if you’re making a batch to store. I use this mix all the time for classic fajitas, taco bowls, roasted veggies, and more!
If you love DIY spice blends, you might also enjoy my homemade taco seasoning or this easy chicken seasoning — both perfect for quick, delicious meals.
Table of Contents
Fajita seasoning ingredients
- Chili powder: A warm, earthy base that gives fajitas their signature depth
- Smoked paprika: Adds rich smokiness and color
- Ground cumin: Brings a savory, slightly bitter note
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor with a gentle kick
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and balance
- Fine sea salt: Rounds out and enhances all the flavors
- Black pepper: For a gentle touch of heat
- Dried oregano (optional): A subtle herbal twist
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a spicy kick
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps prevent the mix from clumping if storing
- Sugar (optional): Boosts browning and balances bolder spices — especially with steak or shrimp
See printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.
How to make fajita seasoning
I like to mix all the spices together in a small bowl first, then transfer the blend to an airtight jar for storage. Super simple! If you’re making a larger batch, you can stir in the optional cornstarch to help prevent clumping. Then just seal the jar and store it in a cool, dry place — it’ll keep well for up to 6 months.
Want to make a bigger batch? Just multiply the spices and store them in a small jar — I usually double or triple it for quick meals. If you’re planning to store it for more than a few weeks, add a little cornstarch to help prevent clumping. Just give the jar a good shake before each use!
Variations by Protein
This blend works beautifully across different proteins — here’s how to slightly tweak it for the best flavor every time:
For chicken:
Use the blend as-is — it’s warm, balanced, and perfect for classic chicken fajitas. For extra flavor, try adding a quick lime and olive oil marinade.
For steak:
Add a little ground coriander for earthiness, and a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce to deepen the flavor of steak fajitas. The optional sugar helps with browning too.
For shrimp:
Reduce the chili powder slightly and skip the cayenne to keep it gentle. A touch of sugar or lime zest helps balance shrimp fajitas flavor beautifully.
How to Use It
This seasoning blend is perfect for more than just classic fajitas. Use it to season:
- Chicken, steak, or shrimp before searing or grilling
- Veggies like peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms
- Roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for plant-based options
- Rice bowls, wraps, tacos, or even simple sheet-pan dinners I especially love it for homemade chicken fajitas served with a scoop of pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and fire-roasted salsa!
More Homemade Spice Blends
If you love this fajita seasoning, you might also enjoy these easy pantry staples:
If you try this fajita seasoning blend, let me know what you think in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it worked for you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe card and tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie if you share your dish!
Best Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano optional
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional
- ½ tsp sugar optional
Instructions
- Add all spices to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Shake well before each use.
Notes
- Storage tip: This seasoning mix can be doubled, tripled, or more for a larger batch. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Add a pinch of cornstarch if storing for more than a few weeks to help prevent clumping.
- Usage: Use about 3 tablespoons per 1 pound of protein, or adjust to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Amazing!