Learn How Long to Cook Fajita Meat on Grill for Perfect Results

If you're craving sizzling fajitas hot off the grill, knowing how long to cook fajita meat is the key to tender, flavorful results.

Whether you're grilling beef, chicken, or even shrimp, the timing can make or break your meal.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how long to cook fajita meat on the grill, how to prep it, and how to avoid common grilling mistakes.

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What Is Fajita Meat?

Fajita meat usually refers to skirt steak or flank steak when it comes to beef.

For chicken fajitas, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are common.

Some even enjoy shrimp or a veggie mix.

The meat is typically marinated, then grilled hot and fast for a slight char while staying juicy inside.

The key is slicing the meat thin after it’s cooked and resting.

How Long to Cook Fajita Meat on the Grill

Beef Fajitas (Skirt or Flank Steak)

• Grill Temp: High heat (450–500°F)

• Cooking Time:

• Skirt steak: 3–4 minutes per side

• Flank steak: 4–5 minutes per side

• Internal Temp: 130–135°F for medium-rare

Both cuts are thin and cook quickly.

Grill directly over the flames; flip once, then rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Want to learn more about heat zones and steak perfection?

Don’t miss The Best Temperature for Searing Steak: it dives deep into achieving that ideal crust while keeping the inside juicy.

➡️ Tip: If you struggle with remembering meat temperatures, the Easy Function Meat Temp Guide Magnet is a smart tool to stick on your grill or fridge.

It lists all the ideal temperatures in one quick-glance spot.

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Chicken Fajitas

• Grill Temp: Medium-high heat (400°F)

• Cooking Time:

• Chicken breasts: 6–8 minutes per side

• Chicken thighs: 5–7 minutes per side

• Internal Temp: 165°F

Chicken needs to cook thoroughly but not dry out.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety without overcooking. 

Always rest the meat for 3–5 minutes before slicing.

Shrimp Fajitas

• Grill Temp: Medium-high

• Cooking Time: 2–3 minutes per side

• Internal Temp: 120°F–130°F

Shrimp cook super fast.

Once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re ready.

Overcooking leads to rubbery texture; keep a close eye.

Pro Tips for Grilling Fajita Meat

• Marinate for Flavor & Tenderness:

Let your meat soak in a marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.

• A mix of lime juice, garlic, oil, and spices works well.

• Clean Your Grill Before Cooking:

Always start with a clean grill grate to prevent sticking and burnt bits.

A wood scraper like the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper is perfect: it cleans deep without leaving bristles behind.

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• Let It Rest Before Slicing:

Resting helps the juices settle.

• For beef or chicken, wait at least 5 minutes.

• Then slice thinly, against the grain, for the best texture.

Looking for more grilling ideas beyond fajitas?

Be sure to check out 50 Tasty Things to Cook on the Grill for Quick, Delicious Results: it’s packed with fast, flavorful meals to try next.

How to Tell When It’s Done Without Overcooking

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet for perfect fajitas.

But if you're going by look and feel:

• Beef: Slightly firm to the touch, with juices starting to rise.

• Chicken: Firm, with no pink center when sliced.

• Shrimp: Opaque and pink, curled into a "C" shape.

Still not sure?

That’s where a temp guide magnet comes in handy again.

No guesswork: just quick reference.

Final Thoughts

Grilling fajita meat isn’t hard; it’s all about timing and heat. 

Whether you're cooking skirt steak, chicken, or shrimp, using the right grill temperature and knowing the correct doneness temps will keep your fajitas juicy and packed with flavor.

Ready to upgrade your grill game?

Click the image to check out our full range of Easy Function grilling tools: from scrapers to temp magnets and more. 

Your fajitas (and your grill) will thank you.

P.S. We regularly publish new recipes and grilling tips. Here’s the most recent one: How Long Does It Take to Smoke a 15 lb Turkey? Here's the Answer!