I’m so excited to share this Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe with you—it’s an explosion of flavors roasted all together for a quick, weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary. Tender jumbo shrimp, vibrant peppers, and just the right kick of spice make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly make these crispy shrimp fajitas on busy nights when I want something delicious and fuss-free. Roasting everything on one sheet pan means minimal cleanup and max flavor, which makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar.
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cook in just 22 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Roasting shrimp and veggies together keeps things simple and flavorful.
- Fresh and Vibrant: Colorful bell peppers and fresh lime juice brighten every bite.
- Customizable: Serve with corn or flour tortillas and add toppings to suit your mood.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk ingredients before you dive in. For this recipe, fresh shrimp and a colorful mix of bell peppers really make a difference. I like to buy jumbo, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save time, and picking out bright peppers adds that festive flair that fajitas deserve.
- Jumbo raw shrimp: Using peeled and deveined shrimp speeds up prep so you can get dinner on the table quickly.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers: A colorful combination that brings sweetness, texture, and vibrancy to the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and keeps the shrimp juicy.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Lime juice: A fresh squeeze brightens the entire meal with zesty acidity.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fragrant and herbal finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.
- Corn or flour tortillas: Essential for wrapping up the shrimp and veggies into perfect handheld fajitas.
- Chili powder: Provides smoky warmth to the spice mix.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances other spices.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of shrimp and vegetables.
- Onion powder: Adds depth without extra chopping.
- Ground cumin: Gives a nutty, earthy complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: Packs a spicy punch to wake up your taste buds.
- Paprika: Contributes smoky sweetness and a lovely color.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts of this Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and what’s in your kitchen. Whether you want to spice things up, keep it mild for the kids, or add some seasonal flair, there’s plenty of room to get creative!
- Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder. I love the cozy depth it brings, especially on cooler evenings when you want something comforting yet vibrant.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the shrimp for firm tofu or portobello mushroom slices. Toss those with the same seasoning and roast until they’re perfectly tender with a hint of char. It’s a delightful plant-based spin on the classic.
- Seasonal swaps: During summer, add fresh corn kernels or sliced zucchini for extra color and sweetness. Come fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes can make these fajitas heartier and just as colorful.
- Heat level: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Or if you’re a heat lover like me, sprinkle on a little extra at the end alongside some fresh jalapeño slices.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to getting those shrimp perfectly crispy and the veggies nicely roasted without losing their vibrant color. Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Up Your Fajita Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Stir until everything is well blended—this mix packs the punch and aroma that makes these fajitas so memorable.
Step 3: Toss the Veggies with Oil and Seasoning
In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced red onion and all four colors of bell peppers. Drizzle 1½ tablespoons olive oil over the top, then sprinkle on the spice mix along with 3 to 5 cloves of minced garlic. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated in oil and spices—this step guarantees bold flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp and Combine Gently
Next, add your thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp that you've patted dry with paper towels to the bowl. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to overmix or crush the shrimp—you want them evenly covered but still intact.
Step 5: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Spread this colorful mixture out in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Giving everything room helps the shrimp get that wonderful crispness and the veggies to roast perfectly without steaming.
Step 6: Roast and Broil for Crispy Perfection
Pop the sheet pan into the oven and roast for 8 minutes. At this point, you’ll see the shrimp just starting to turn pink and the veggies softening. Toss gently, switch your oven to broil, and broil for an additional 3 minutes. The broil step is what gives the shrimp a delightful charred crispness along the edges—it’s where the magic happens!
Step 7: Finish with Freshness and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables and sprinkle on chopped fresh cilantro for that bright, fresh pop. Serve everything hot with warmed corn or flour tortillas, and if you like, add toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, black beans, or rice. This final step is where all the roasted flavors come alive on your palate.
Top Tip
Getting the perfect Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe comes down to a few simple tricks that make all the difference in flavor and texture. These tips will help you enjoy juicy shrimp and perfectly roasted veggies every time.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning, make sure your jumbo shrimp are completely dry. This prevents steaming and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the shrimp and veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow proper roasting and even cooking without sogginess.
- Use the Broil Step: That final 3-minute broil is key to getting a slightly charred, smoky finish that amps up the fajita flavor impressively.
- Fresh Lime Juice Finish: Squeeze the lime right after baking to brighten the dish and balance the warm, spicy flavors with a fresh zing.
How to Serve Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your shrimp fajitas, think beyond just cilantro and lime. Try topping with diced avocado for creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for cool tang, or fresh sliced jalapeños for extra heat. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a drizzle of chipotle aioli can also add lovely layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This sheet pan shrimp fajita meal pairs wonderfully with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a zesty corn salad. For a lighter accompaniment, serve with a simple arugula salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or grilled street corn (elote) for a summery touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. To keep everything tasting fresh, store your tortillas and any toppings separately and add just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing this recipe is not recommended because shrimp can turn rubbery and the vegetables will lose their crisp texture after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop by sautéing in a little olive oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes covered loosely with foil, or use the microwave in short 30-second bursts covered with a damp paper towel to keep the shrimp moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Just be sure to thaw, peel, devein, and thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to ensure they roast crispy instead of steaming.
No worries! The key flavors come from chili powder, cumin, and paprika, so if you’re missing one, try substituting with a bit of taco seasoning or chili flakes to taste.
Absolutely, chicken strips or thinly sliced steak work great in fajitas. Adjust the cooking time accordingly: chicken needs about 15-18 minutes total, while steak varies depending on thickness.
Both work wonderfully! Corn tortillas offer a traditional gluten-free option with a slightly nuttier flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe is a wonderful weeknight winner — quick, colorful, and full of fresh, bright flavors that come together effortlessly. The beauty lies in the simple roasting and broiling method that locks in juiciness while giving the shrimp that perfect char. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, this dish feels festive yet easygoing, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table. I hope it becomes a go-to in your recipe collection as it has in mine!
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Crispy Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring jumbo shrimp roasted with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with a blend of spices. Quick to prepare and cook, it's a perfect weeknight dinner served with warm tortillas and fresh lime juice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds jumbo raw shrimp - thawed, peeled and deveined, and pat dry with paper towels
- 1 large red onion - sliced
- 1 red bell pepper - seeded and sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper - seeded and sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper - seeded and sliced
- 1 green bell pepper - seeded and sliced
- 1½ tablespoon olive oil
- 3-5 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 lime juiced
- Fresh cilantro
- Corn or flour tortillas - for serving
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prepare for roasting the ingredients.
- Mix the fajita seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Stir well to create the seasoning blend.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Drizzle with 1½ tablespoons olive oil and toss thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Season the veggies: Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix and minced garlic over the bell peppers and onions. Toss everything well to ensure all pieces are coated with spices and garlic.
- Add the shrimp: Add the thawed and dried shrimp to the bowl with the seasoned vegetables. Gently toss to combine and lightly coat the shrimp with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread onto the baking sheet: Arrange the shrimp and vegetable mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared rimmed baking sheet to allow for even roasting.
- Roast: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes, or until the shrimp starts to turn pink and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Broil: Toss the shrimp and vegetables gently to redistribute for even cooking. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges for extra flavor.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven immediately. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and veggies and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with warmed corn or flour tortillas and optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, black beans, or rice.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep tortillas and toppings separate for freshness.
- Freezing: Not recommended as shrimp can become rubbery and vegetables lose texture upon freezing and reheating.
- Reheating Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add shrimp and veggies, and sauté for 2–3 minutes just until warmed; avoid overcooking.
- Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread leftovers evenly on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
- Reheating Microwave: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
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