Skip the packet and shake up your own fajita seasoning blend in just minutes. This mix gives you smoky, spicy, and savory all in one jar. There’s no fancy ingredients, no preservatives, just big, bold flavor.
about this faijta seasoning
There’s no reason to buy that pre-packaged fajita mix when you can make your own. This homemade fajita seasoning is a simple combination smoky paprika, warm cumin, a dash of cayenne, garlic and onion powders, and a pinch of salt and pepper that delivers a lot of flavor. It’s simple, clean, and customized to your taste.
What I particularly love is how you can easily adjust the flavors. Want it milder? Skip the cayenne. Prefer it smoky? Add a little more paprika or use smoked paprika instead.
Use it on chicken, steak, veggies, shrimp, or any protein that you are using to make your fajitas, fajita pizza, etc.
This mix also makes for a killer pantry staple. It only takes about two minutes to mix up, and you can store it in a jar for months in your spice cabinet. That way, fajita night is always ready, no extra thought required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fajita seasoning is smoky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. Proving making your own spice blends from scratch is simply better!
- It takes only minutes to make and gives much more flavor than store-bought.
- You control the heat. Make it mild, medium, or hot – all from the same base.
- No preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.
- Super versatile: use for chicken, beef, vegetables, or shrimp.
ingredients
Chili Powder – Any brand will work here. If you have a favorite regional blend, go for it. Just keep in mind that some chili powders are spicier than others.
Cumin – Ground cumin is best, but if you only have whole seeds, you can toast and grind them for even more flavor.
Paprika – Regular paprika keeps things mild, but smoked paprika adds a smoky element. You can even do half-and-half if you want a blend of the two.
Garlic Powder – Granulated garlic works just as well. Avoid garlic salt unless you plan to omit the kosher salt.
Onion Powder – Again, granulated onion works here too.
Kosher Salt – I like using kosher for consistency, but table salt works!
Cayenne Pepper – Totally optional. Add more for a spicy kick, or leave it out.
Black Pepper – Pre-ground is fine, but freshly cracked black pepper will give you more flavor.
this recipe’s must-haves
You only need two things to make this recipe. A small bowl (or jar) and a spoon.
If you plan to store extra, an airtight container or small spice jar is best.
how to make this homemade fajita seasoning mix
stir
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
use or store
Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Tips for Success
Always use fresh spices! If they are older than 6 months, it’s best to get fresh for the most flavor in the spice blend.
Start with the base recipe and tweak to your taste. You can add more salt, adjust the spice levels by adding more heat, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, etc.
Make a double or triple batch and keep it in the pantry so you always have it ready.
More spice mixes to try: Chicken Taco Seasoning | Steak Seasoning | Southwest Spice Mix | BBQ Chicken Rub
faqs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This spice mix will last for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dry place as well.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
This base makes the same amount as one store-bought packet, but scaling it up is easy to make a bigger batch – just stick to the same ratios.
Can I skip the cayenne?
Of course. Leaving it out makes the mix mild, but you can also add extra if you want more heat.
Is this seasoning just for fajitas?
Not at all! Try it on roasted veggies, shrimp, chicken, steak, or even stirred into sour cream for a quick dip with tortilla chips.
What if I don’t have paprika?
Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or even a little extra chili powder will work as a swap.
Is fajita seasoning gluten free?
This homemade version is! Since it’s made entirely from individual spices, you don’t have to worry about hidden gluten or additives. Just be sure your spice jars are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
Need more inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my main dishes recipe page!
how to use this fajita seasoning
The recipe below makes 2 tablespoons of homemade seasoning, which is the same as what you would find in any store-bought packet. Use this recipe for every pound of meat or vegetables in your favorite fajita recipes.
For fajitas, toss slices of chicken or steak with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle this mix in and cook as desired. You can also use it as a rub on pork, shrimp, or even sprinkle it on roasted veggies.
how to store
Store your fajita seasoning in an airtight jar at room temperature, away from light and heat. It will last for up to 6 months. After that, you can still use it, but the flavor will be muted.
more ways to use fajita seasoning
Use it to season these steak fajita foil packets for an easy weeknight meal!
Rub it on a bbq rack of lamb for more of a latin-inspired twist on dinner.
Make fajita chili by swapping this seasoning for the spice mix in our Instant Pot chili recipe.
Finally, if you make this fajita seasoning recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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fajita seasoning
ingredients
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together all of the ingredients.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
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nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
