diff --git a/nbconvert/exporters/pdf.py b/nbconvert/exporters/pdf.py
index 9936814e8..4226b44b7 100644
--- a/nbconvert/exporters/pdf.py
+++ b/nbconvert/exporters/pdf.py
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ class PDFExporter(LatexExporter):
     latex_count = Integer(3, help="How many times latex will be called.").tag(config=True)
 
     latex_command = List(
-        ["xelatex", "-shell-escape", "{filename}", "-quiet"],
-        help="Shell command used to compile latex.",
+        ["xelatex", "{filename}", "-quiet"], help="Shell command used to compile latex."
     ).tag(config=True)
 
     bib_command = List(["bibtex", "{filename}"], help="Shell command used to run bibtex.").tag(