Interactions between components in film‐forming solution affected the physicochemical properties of active packaging. A series of soy protein isolate (SPI)‐based nanocomposite films reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles and different pitaya peel extract (PPE) levels were fabricated by photocatalysis. Results showed that the tensile strength, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, thermal stability and DPPH scavenging activity were substantially improved, but the elongation at break and transmittance decreased with the proportion of PPE increased due to the formation of a more compact film structure caused by the crosslinking of PPE and SPI, particularly at the SPI/PPE ratio of 1:2. However, excessive PPE was not conducive to the integrity and continuity of film structures. The SPI/PPE films had more favorable anti‐bacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus than Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Therefore, our finding suggested that photocatalytic SPI/PPE nanocomposite film is an interesting alternative to obtain materials with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Novelty impact statement Pitaya peel extract (PPE) was added into soy protein isolate (SPI)/ZnO film matrix through photocatalysis. Addition of PPE resulted in compact inner microstructures of the films. SPI‐PPE conjugate greatly improved the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the films.