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Skip the store-bought packets and make your own Fajita Seasoning with simple pantry spices you probably already have on hand. This easy homemade seasoning blend is bold, smoky, slightly spicy, and perfect for chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, shrimp fajitas, tacos, burrito bowls, and sheet pan dinners.

This Homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe yields about 3¾ tablespoons, which is roughly equivalent to one store-bought seasoning packet. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor.

If you love easy DIY spice blends and homemade seasoning mixes, this fajita seasoning mix is one recipe you’ll want to keep stocked in your pantry.

Close-up of Homemade Fajita Seasoning stored in a glass jar

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps the seasoning cling to meat and vegetables while also creating that slightly saucy texture fajita seasoning packets are known for.

Chili Powder

Chili powder gives this seasoning blend its signature Tex-Mex flavor with mild heat and smoky depth.

Paprika

Paprika adds warmth, color, and a subtle smoky sweetness.

Ground Cumin

Ground cumin brings an earthy flavor that gives fajitas their classic restaurant-style taste.

Cayenne Pepper

A little cayenne adds gentle heat. Adjust it to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients for Homemade Fajita Seasoning measured in small bowls on a white hexagon tile surface

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • cornstarch – omit for a low-carb version
  • chili powder – no substitution recommended
  • ground paprika – smoked paprika can be used for a smokier flavor
  • salt – adjust to taste
  • granulated sugar – substitute with a sugar-free sweetener if preferred
  • ground cumin – no substitution recommended
  • onion powder – no substitution recommended
  • garlic powder – no substitution recommended
  • cayenne pepper – reduce or omit for less heat

Variations

  • Mild Fajita Seasoning – Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a less spicy blend.
  • Smoky Fajita Seasoning – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for extra smoky flavor.
  • Low-Carb Fajita Seasoning – Skip the cornstarch and use your favorite low-carb sweetener if desired.
  • Spicy Fajita Seasoning – Add extra cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
Overhead view of Homemade Fajita Seasoning in a glass storage jar

Tips for Best Results

  • Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
  • Shake the container before each use since spices can settle over time.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Use about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat or vegetables.

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FAQs

How long does homemade fajita seasoning last?

Stored properly in a cool, dry place, this seasoning blend lasts up to 6 months.

How much seasoning equals one packet?

This recipe yields about 3¾ tablespoons, which is similar to the amount in one store-bought fajita seasoning packet.

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Yes! Simply omit the cornstarch for a low-carb version.

Is homemade fajita seasoning spicy?

This recipe has mild to moderate heat. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.

What can I use fajita seasoning on?

Use it on chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, shrimp fajitas, tacos, burrito bowls, roasted potatoes, soups, rice, grilled vegetables, and sheet pan dinners.

How to Store Fajita Seasoning

Store Homemade Fajita Seasoning in an airtight spice jar or container in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and moisture. For best flavor, use within 6 months.

How to Make Fajita Seasoning

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This homemade fajita spice mix comes together in minutes with no cooking required. Simply whisk the spices together and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them for chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, shrimp fajitas, tacos, and more.

Quick steps:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Whisk until evenly combined.
  3. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container.
  4. Store in a cool, dry place.

How Much Fajita Seasoning to Use

  • Use about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetables.
  • Mix the seasoning with 2-3 tablespoons of oil and fresh lime juice for an easy fajita marinade.
  • Sprinkle over peppers and onions before roasting for easy sheet pan fajitas.
  • Stir into rice, soups, or taco meat for extra Tex-Mex flavor.
Spices and seasonings in a glass bowl for Homemade Fajita Seasoning before mixing
Mixed Homemade Fajita Seasoning blended together in a glass bowl
Jar of Homemade Fajita Seasoning with green bell pepper in the background

If You Enjoyed Fajita Seasoning

If you enjoy easy homemade seasoning blends and Tex-Mex recipes, you may also like your homemade taco seasoning recipes, quick and easy dinner recipes, grilling and smoker recipes, and air fryer recipes. This fajita spice mix is especially delicious on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, shrimp bowls, and sheet pan meals.

It also pairs perfectly with taco night favorites, burrito bowls, quesadillas, and easy weeknight meals.

📌 Save This Recipe

Don’t lose this Homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe! Pin it to your homemade seasoning recipes, Tex-Mex recipes, spice blend recipes, taco night recipes, or easy dinner ideas boards on Pinterest so you can make flavorful fajitas anytime.

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Wooden spoon filled with Homemade Fajita Seasoning beside a glass jar
Square image of Homemade Fajita Seasoning in a glass jar on a white tile surface
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Servings: 4 servings

Fajita Seasoning

By Jamie Sherman
Skip the packets and make Homemade Fajita Seasoning with simple spices for easy Tex-Mex dinners and fajitas.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Whisk until thoroughly combined.
  • Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
  • Use within 6 months for the best flavor.

♨️ REHEATING

  • No reheating required.

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing is not recommended.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Shake or stir the seasoning before each use.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
  • Double or triple the recipe for meal prep.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Sprinkle directly onto chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetables before cooking.
  • Mix with oil and lime juice for an easy fajita marinade.
  • Stir into soups, rice, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
  • Use as a dry rub for grilled meats.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Use leftover seasoning on tacos, roasted potatoes, popcorn, eggs, or grilled vegetables.

📝 NOTES

  • This recipe makes about 3¾ tablespoons of seasoning.
  • One batch is roughly equal to one store-bought seasoning packet.
  • Omit the cornstarch for a low-carb version.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper for a milder or spicier seasoning blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 599mg, Potassium: 45mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 598IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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