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This fajita seasoning is a quick homemade spice blend made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder (plus optional cornstarch). Whisk it together in 10 minutes, then use it as a dry rub or mix into a fajita marinade.
I’ve been making and testing homemade spice blends for years, and I’ve tried this fajita seasoning both with and without cornstarch to see what works best for marinades and my favorite recipes.
The addition of some lime zest makes this killer!
– john
I feel guilty posting this recipe. I mean, it’s only a few ingredients thrown into a bowl and whisk together to combine. And that’s all. There’s no cooking, no waiting, no eggs.
But what’s missing from this recipe are preservatives and other stuff that I didn’t know I was eating in the fajita seasoning packets. It’s good to know what you’re putting in your body.
This Homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe is simple and quick. You can prepare a big batch of this easy seasoning to use as a base for your fajita marinade. It works well to make fajita veggies, chicken, pork or beef and it comes together in just minutes. I love it in this Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe.
Ingredients for Fajita Seasoning
The ingredient list looks long but I can guarantee you will have most, if not all, of these items in your pantry. Homemade Fajita Seasoning has been right in your kitchen the whole time!
- Cornstarch – It’s used to help the spice stick to the food and thicken up the marinade just a bit when water is added.
- Chili Powder – I like Ancho Chili Powder but you can use your favorite.
- Salt – Kosher Salt works best here because of the larger grains.
- Paprika – I prefer smoked paprika but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Granulated Sugar
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Black Pepper
How To Make Fajita Seasoning
I’ve been making my own Fajita Seasoning Mix for years and have been keeping it a big secret. So, the guilt goes both ways here…one, I never shared my secret with you and two, this is the easiest thing in the world to make. I can guarantee, once you make this easy DIY Fajita Seasoning you’ll never buy it at the store again.
- Add all the ingredients to the bowl.
- Whisk together until combined.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
For best flavor, use within 3 months (spices lose potency over time). Store away from heat and light, don’t forget to label your jar with the date.
Can I make fajita seasoning without cornstarch?
I did a little research before I created my own blend and there were several versions with/without cornstarch. I made both and decided, if you use the Fajita Seasoning Mix as a marinade like I do, the cornstarch is helpful in making the spices stick to the food a little better.
You can definitely make it without, especially if you’re just using it as a spice or flavor enhancer.
Kellie’s Tip: Fresh Spices are Best
Be sure to use the best spices you can so the flavors are bright and bold. And when you’re grilling chicken or steak, this creates a great crust on the exterior of your food. So, friends, get your whisks ready because you’re going to want to have this stockpiled in your spice cabinet.
How To Use Fajita Seasoning
- Start here: 1–2 Tbsp seasoning per 1 lb meat or vegetables (to taste).
- Packet swap: 2–3 Tbsp seasoning = 1 store-bought packet (varies by brand).
- Quick marinade: 2 Tbsp seasoning – 2 Tbsp oil – 1 Tbsp lime juice.
Recipes Using Fajita Seasoning
Fajita Seasoning Mix Recipe
Equipment
- whisk
- measuring spoons
- storage container
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Store the mix in an airtight container until ready to use. Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
Notes
- Start here: 1–2 Tbsp seasoning per 1 lb meat or vegetables (to taste).
- Packet swap: 2–3 Tbsp seasoning = 1 store-bought packet (varies by brand).
- Quick marinade: 2 Tbsp seasoning – 2 Tbsp oil – 1 Tbsp lime juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Easy Spice Recipes
- Taco Seasoning Mix
- Easy Meatloaf Seasoning
- The Best Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Best Hamburger Seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
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The addition of some lime zest makes this killer!
Agree! We just wanted to keep it shelf stable.
Hello.
Your work is excellent.
I am from the south of Iran. I am a spice maker and enjoyed of your work. I did your composition according to your order and it was satisfying. Thank you.
My Instagram:
karoon_spice
good luck
Thank you so much!
Hello I was just wondering when using this mix what is the cooking time? You said you use this as a marinade? Thanks