Shrimp Fajitas (Easy Sheet Pan)

Shrimp fajitas spice rubbed and oven roasted to perfection for a flavor bursting dinner on your table in 30 minutes – and all made in one sheet pan!

These Shrimp Fajitas are restaurant delicious without the wait, price tag or a pile of dirty dishes!  They are a walk-in-the-door-last-minute-meal that is healthy, quick and easy but PACKED with flavor. The shrimp, bell peppers, onions and (optional) pineapple all roasts in one pan for easy prep and minimal cleanup.  You can make shrimp fajitas, shrimp fajita salad, shrimp fajita burritos or a shrimp fajita bar all from this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe!

best Shrimp Fajitas in a flour tortilla with cilantro on a metal plate


 

I get giddy over a plate of sizzling, piping hot fajitas placed directly in front of me at a restaurant.  The juicy shrimp, steak or chicken the homemade warm tortillas, the hearty beans and rice, the enlivening salsa and lime and the cooling sour cream and guacamole. Who is with me?!

I love fajitas so much, I’ve already shared Chicken Fajitas, Steak Fajitas, Pork Fajitas, Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, Sheet Pan Fajita Salmon, One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta and even Chicken Fajita & Rice Soup – obsessed much?!!  But what I love most about this succulent Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajita recipe is that it’s the quickest one of them all to make without any marinating – seriously, you will be SHOCKED at the flavor and ease of these fajitas!  And did I say 30 minutes already?

You can serve these sensational Shrimp Fajitas in tortillas, in a salad or with rice and beans with all your favorite fajita toppings for a complete meal-in-one that’s different every time!  It’s the latest addition to my arsenal of quick, easy dinners that taste completely gourmet without feeling like a chore to make – because easy CAN equal delicious IF you season everything correctly!

Shrimp Fajitas with Pineapple?

YESSSSS!   I LOVE either sweet pineapple or mangos in all my tacos like Asian Caramel Pork Tacos with Pineapple Snow Pea Salsa or my Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas with Mango Salsa so it’s only natural to add pineapple to these Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas because after all, fajitas are inherently a “build your own taco.”

The pineapple’s juicy sweetness is the perfect complement to the warm earthy, smokey Shrimp Fajitas -gah! – sooo good! – and it doesn’t require any more dishes!  The roasting caramelizes the pineapple and enhances the natural sweetness – just when you think pineapple couldn’t get any better.

The pineapple can either be served as a side to your Mexican dinner or piled in your shrimp fajitas. You can also omit the pineapple completely but the only reason I would do this is if someone is allergic – otherwise you are missing out on some serious YUM.

LOOKING FOR MORE TACO RECIPES?

Sheet Pan Shrimp baked in oven with pineapple

HOW do I Thaw SHRIMP FOR SHRIMP FAJITAS?

You are going to want to use thawed, raw shrimp for these Shrimp Fajitas.  I like to buy my shrimp by the frozen bagful at Costco because they come shelled and deveined so all that’s left to do is thaw.  Also, if you keep frozen shrimp on hand, then you can make these Shrimp Fajitas at a moments notice

There are two options for thawing your shrimp:

  1. To quickly thaw, place the frozen shrimp in a fine-mesh sieve or colander. Place this sieve in a large bowl of cold tap water for 10 minutes.   After 10 minutes, replace the water in the bowl with new cold tap water and re-submerge the shrimp.  Let shrimp sit an additional 10- 20 minutes.  At this point the shrimp should be completely thawed.
  2. The easier way to thaw your shrimp – if you remember in advance –  is to remove your frozen shrimp to a covered bowl and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Whatever you do, resist the urge to use warm tap water (and definitely NOT the microwave) as this will cause the shrimp to defrost and cook unevenly.

How to Make Shrimp Fajitas

Fajita Seasoning:  When a recipe is this simple, it needs to be seasoned to perfection.  A simple recipe should still taste multi-dimensional and flavor bursting, and never boring and bland.  To create the most explosive Shrimp Fajitas, we start by making our own Fajitas Seasoning consisting of fiestalicious pantry staples of chili powder ground cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, etc.

Showing how to make easy Shrimp Fajitas by mixing together homemade fajita seasoning in a white bowl

Pineapple:  If you are not using pineapple, then use a regular size baking sheet, otherwise you are going to want to use a large jelly roll pan.  Toss pineapple with ½ tablespoon olive oil and ½ tablespoon brown sugar and push to one side of the pan and spread into an even layer.

Adding pineapple to baking sheet for sheet pan shrimp fajitas

Veggies:  Next, add onions and bell peppers to pan and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Fajita seasoning.  Toss until evenly coated then spread evenly on baking sheet next to pineapple.

showing how to make sheet pan shrimp fajitas by mixing red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, green bell peppers and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning on baking sheet

Bake:  We bake our pineapple, onions and bell peppers for 10 minutes without our shrimp because the veggies take longer to cook.  You will see many recipes that bake the shrimp and veggies at the same time – but this is no bueno.  You will end up with either crunchy bell peppers and raw onions or you will have overdone shrimp.

Shrimp:  Meanwhile, add your shrimp to a large bowl along with 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining Fajita seasoning.  Stir until evenly coated.

Showing how to make best shrimp fajitas by tossing shrimp with fajita seasoning

Combine:  After veggies/pineapple have baked 10 minutes, remove from oven and place shrimp evenly on top of veggies.  Bake for 6 minutes then broil for another 2 minutes or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through.

If you have never roasted shrimp, it is one of my favorite methods to produce perfectly even cooked shrimp and the hands-off method is foolproof, the shrimp cook more evenly and it’s ridiculously easy. Into the oven goes raw shrimp, out comes hot, juicy, fragrant cooked shrimp exploding with flavor.

Showing how to make shrimp fajitas in oven by laying out shrimp on bell peppers and onions on a sheete pan

Broil:  The broiling not only helps cook the shrimp but finishes the veggies off with a nice char in some places for that authentic fajita taste and feel.  If you want more of a char on your veggies, then consider removing your shrimp and continuing to broil but I don’t find that necessary.

top view of shrimp fajitas in oven with rice, black beans, sour cream

Tips and Trick to Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

  • You can substitute shrimp with chopped chicken.  The chicken will require 15-20 minutes to cook, so add it in the beginning with the onions/bell peppers.
  • Use defrosted shrimp (see above section on how to defrost shrimp).
  • You can swap out the veggies for your favorite quick cooking veggies such as mushrooms and zucchini or simply add more veggies in addition to the bell peppers.  If you are adding additional veggies then you will want to add more seasoning and olive oil as well.
  • You don’t have to add the pineapple to you fajitas – just serve it as a delicious side.
  • The spice level as written should be perfect for most people but if you know you love spicy then feel free to add some cayenne pepper.  If you know you DON’T like heat at all then reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder.
  • Don’t forget the lime!  The lime brightens and enlivens the earthy fajita flavors.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas on a baking sheet with a wooden spoon

How should I serve Shrimp Fajitas?

Soooo many possibilities when it comes to how to serve these sizzling Shrimp Fajitas!

  • Shrimp Fajitas: Serve the shrimp, veggies and pineapple wrapped in a warm tortilla with sour cream, salsa and fresh lime,
  • Shrimp Fajita Salad: Toss the shrimp, bell peppers and pineapple with some lettuce and black beans and drizzle with Tomatillo Avocado Ranch.  This would also be delicious with pepitas or sunflower seeds and pepper jack cheese.
  • Shrimp Fajita Quesadilla: sandwich the shrimp and veggies in tortillas and smother with cheese and bake, grill or melt cheese on the stove.  Serve with a healthy dose of sour cream, salsa and guacamole.
  • Shrimp Fajita Burritos: Wrap the shrimp, veggies and pineapple in a large tortilla along with rice, black beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole.
  • Shrimp Fajita Burrito Bowl: Pile the shrimp, veggies and pineapple on a bed of rice with black beans, lettuce and tortilla chips with condiments of choice or Tomatillo Avocado Ranch.
Up close of sheet pans shrimp fajitas baked in the oven

What should I serve with Shrimp Fajitas?

I love to serve my Shrimp Fajitas with all the condiments – salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, lime as well as sides of Cilantro Lime Rice or Creamy Cilantro Lime Avocado Rice as well as Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter, a simple green salad or Southwest Salad.  But really, all you need is the Shrimp Pan Shrimp Fajitas for a meal in one!

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY SHRIMP RECIPES?

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up close of oven roasted shrimp fajitas on a metal plate with bell peppers, onions and pineapple

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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

up close of oven roasted shrimp fajitas on a metal plate with bell peppers, onions and pineapple

Shrimp Fajitas (Easy Sheet Pan)

Shrimp fajitas spice rubbed and oven roasted to perfection for a flavor bursting dinner on your table in 30 minutes – and all made in one sheet pan! These Shrimp Fajitas are restaurant delicious without the wait, price tag or a pile of dirty dishes!  They are a walk-in-the-door-last-minute-meal that is healthy, quick and easy but PACKED with flavor. The shrimp, bell peppers, onions and (optional) pineapple all roasts in one pan for easy prep and minimal cleanup.  You can make shrimp fajitas, shrimp fajita salad, shrimp fajita burritos or a shrimp fajita bar all from this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe!
Servings: 8 servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes

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Ingredients

Fajitas

  • 1 1/2 pounds medium uncooked/thawed shrimp shelled, deveined, tails removed*
  • 3 bell peppers sliced (any color combo)
  • 1/2 large red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 pineapple chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Fajita Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For serving (your favs!)

  • 8 tortillas
  • fresh lime juice a must!
  • sour cream
  • cilantro
  • salsa
  • guacamole/avocados
  • Chopped tomatoes

Instructions

  • Whisk the fajita seasoning together. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a Jelly Roll Pan (10×15) with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. If you are not using pineapple, then use a regular size baking sheet.
  • Add pineapple and ½ tablespoon olive oil and ½ tablespoon brown sugar to prepared pan. Toss until evenly coated. Push to one side of the pan and spread into an even layer.
  • Add onions and bell peppers to pan. Drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Fajita seasoning. Toss until evenly coated then spread evenly on baking sheet next to pineapple. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Stir veggies and pineapple separately and place back into an even layer.
  • Meanwhile, add shrimp to a large bowl along with 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining Fajita seasoning. Stir until evenly coated.
  • After veggies/pineapple have baked 10 minutes, remove from oven and place shrimp evenly on top of veggies. Bake at 400 degrees F for 6 minutes then broil (without moving oven rack position) for 2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque.
  • Serve shrimp and veggies in a tortilla as fajitas OR see my serving options in the Notes. However you serve them, don’t forget the freshly squeezed lime juice!

Notes

*Weigh your 1½ pounds shrimp with tails on, then remove tails.  If purchase shrimp with the tails already removed, adjust weight accordingly.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Soooo many possibilities when it comes to how to serve these sizzling Shrimp Fajitas!
  • Shrimp Fajitas: Serve the shrimp, veggies and pineapple wrapped in a warm tortilla with sour cream, salsa and fresh lime,
  • Shrimp Fajita Salad: Toss the shrimp, bell peppers and pineapple with some lettuce and black beans and drizzle with Tomatillo Avocado Ranch.  This would also be delicious with pepitas or sunflower seeds and pepper jack cheese.
  • Shrimp Fajita Quesadilla: sandwich the shrimp and veggies in tortillas and smother with cheese and bake, grill or melt cheese on the stove.  Serve with a healthy dose of sour cream, salsa and guacamole.
  • Shrimp Fajita Burritos: Wrap the shrimp, veggies and pineapple in a large tortilla along with rice, black beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole.
  • Shrimp Fajita Burrito Bowl: Pile the shrimp, veggies and pineapple on a bed of rice with black beans, lettuce and tortilla chips with condiments of choice or Tomatillo Avocado Ranch.

Tips and Trick to Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

  • You can substitute shrimp with chopped chicken.  The chicken will require 15-20 minutes to cook, so add it in the beginning with the onions/bell peppers.
  • You can swap out the veggies for your favorite quick cooking veggies such as mushrooms and zucchini or simply add more veggies in addition to the bell peppers.  If you are adding additional veggies then you will want to add more seasoning and olive oil as well.
  • You don’t have to add the pineapple to you fajitas – just serve it as a delicious side.
  • The spice level as written should be perfect for most people but if you know you love spicy then feel free to add some cayenne pepper.  If you know you DON’T like spicy then reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder.
  • Don’t forget the lime!  The lime brightens and enlivens the earthy fajita flavors.

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22 Comments

  1. Cindy says

    These are going on the menu ASAP! Your chicken fajitas are our family’s favorite!

    • Jen says

      I love hearing your family loves my chicken fajitas so much Cindy, thank you! I think you’ll love these shrimp fajitas just as much – or more- because they are even easier!

  2. Lindsay says

    Hi Jen, I am a long time reader of your beautiful blog and make at least two recipes of yours a week. My family always gets excited when I tell them dinner is from “Carlsbad Cravings.” I love your sheet pan meals and am excited to make this tomorrow – I know it will be another one for the recipe binder. Thank you for all your hard work- my family and I have never enjoyed dinner time more!

    • Jen says

      Oh my goodness Lindsay, thank you so much! I can’t tell you how happy your comment made me! I am honored you have made so many of my recipes and so happy/relieved 🙂 your family loves them so much! Thank you for taking the time to make my day!

  3. NICOLE says

    This look delicious!!! I l have made several of your Recipes, and every dish, I have made turns out great. Your visual pictures always look so enticing. And what I truly love most, is that you really take the time to personally explain into GREAT detail various ways to cook your Recipes. I find it so insightful. You don’t just post a recipe, which I love and honestly truly sets you apart from all the rest. Is your well thought out approach. Keep on doing what you are doing! You are really talented and have a passion, that shines through. I love when I get your emails. I always get excited as what is next to try out and cook 🙂

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Nicole for your awesome comment! It makes me so happy to hear your family is enjoying my recipes, and that they have all been winners! I especially appreciate that you enjoy the extra details – I try and be helpful and not just talk but sometimes I can be a bit wordy with all that foodie passion :)! Thank you for bringing even more energy to my passion with your excitement and appreciation! xo

  4. Peggy says

    Hi. I notice in the picture that there are lime slices laying in the sheet pan. You do not cook them, do you? Just squeeze them on afterwards? Thanks.

    • Jen says

      Hi Peggy, I added them after just for garnish so no, you don’t cook with them. enjoy!

  5. Beth. R. says

    We made this for dinner last night and it was so stinkin’ good! The flavor was incredible! Quick, easy and flavorful, hits all the marks for us! We do a family vacation at our lake house with in-laws and are always looking for quick & easy meals that can feed 8 adults and 3 kids. We figure if we double this recipe, we have one dinner planned!

    • Jen says

      Awesome Beth, I’m so happy you loved it and found a new dinner for your vacation! I also highly suggest some of my crockpot recipes – so EASY for crowds! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

  6. Nikki says

    Made this for dinner tonight. Really good! Thanks for another great recipe.

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome! I’m so happy it was a hit!

  7. Maryanne says

    This was actually the first sheet pan dinner I’ve ever made, and now I’m a fan! This came together so quickly & easily and it was soooooo yummy! Didn’t have pineapple, so didn’t use it. Didn’t have chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika for the fajita seasoning, so I just used regular paprika and then added some taco seasoning that I already had. Worked out great! I also sauteed up sliced cabbage and made a simple sriracha aioli to top it with. It was a perfect dinner! Definitely a keeper recipe. Thank you, Jen for sharing all of your wonderful recipes…there’s so many I want to try!!! You are in my top 5 food bloggers that I follow. I also appreciate the fact that you respond to everyone’s comments…not many people actually do. Keep up the great work!

    • Jen says

      Hi Maryyanne, I’m thrilled your first sheet pan dinner was a success! I love the addition of sauteed cabbage and srircha ailoi – yum! Thanks also for your kind words, I’m honored you’re loving my recipes!
      m’m ho

  8. Charity says

    Greetings!

    I found your blog by sheer chance a few weeks ago, and now Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are regularly requested by my family. I love your work, so I wanted to ask if you needed the services of a proofreader to be a second set of eyes to clean up the tedious parts of writing, such as missing commas and run-on sentences? If you’re interested but on the fence, I’d be down to do a free article edit to showcase my skills. I figured there’d at least be no harm in asking. Have a fantastic rest of your day!

    • Jen says

      Thanks for making my recipes, Charity, I’m honored these shrimp fajitas are a new favorite! I’m set for now for services but thank you, best!

  9. Lori says

    Soooo good!!! Did the rice/black bean bowls with lots of lime and cilantro and extra bell peppers. Delish!!!

    • Jen says

      So pleased these were a hit! You’re whole meal sounds delicious!

  10. Katrena Hale says

    Wow!! This was so quick and so yummy. Can I just say perfection??? It came together in minutes…cutting peppers and onion was the hardest most time consuming part (and that was not hard at all). If a person likes less spicy foods they probably should not put the remaining seasoning on the shrimp (Maybe 3/4 or less of remaining seasoning). For me, this was terrific. Next time I will make it for company.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Katrena, I’m honored you loved it so much and that it’s company worthy!

  11. Amanda says

    Absolutely wonderful! Used it as the base for burrito bowls (as we call them) and added all the goodies. Yum and easy!

    • Jen says

      I’m so please this recipe was a hit and your burritos sound fantastic!