Healthier Air Fried Po Boy Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the po' boy, providing a succulent and tender bite.

Buttermilk: Used to marinate the shrimp, it tenderizes and adds a tangy flavor.

Whole wheat flour: A healthier alternative to regular flour, used for dredging the shrimp.

Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the shrimp a flavorful kick.

Whole wheat sub rolls: A healthier choice for the sandwich base, adding fiber and nutrients.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the sandwich.

Tomato: Sliced for a juicy and refreshing addition.

Pickles: Sliced for a tangy crunch.

Light mayonnaise: A lighter version of mayo, used to make the spicy sauce.

Hot sauce: Mixed with the mayo to create a spicy kick for the sandwich.

To achieve a perfectly crispy shrimp in your air fryer, make sure to shake off any excess buttermilk before dredging them in the flour mixture. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent it from becoming soggy. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cooking the shrimp in a single layer ensures even crispiness and optimal texture.

• shrimp - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower provides a similar texture when air-fried and is a great plant-based alternative.

• buttermilk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk with a splash of lemon juice: This mixture mimics the tanginess of buttermilk while being lower in calories and dairy-free.

• whole wheat flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and has a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier option.

• cajun seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice blend: Create a blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper to control sodium and additives.

• whole wheat sub rolls - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps reduce the carb content and add extra crunch and freshness.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach offers more nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a sweet and smoky flavor with fewer seeds and more antioxidants.

• pickles - Substitute with fermented sauerkraut: Sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor and is rich in probiotics, which are good for gut health.

• light mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and calories while being high in protein and probiotics.

• hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar heat level but with a slightly different flavor profile, often containing less sodium.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
• Store the air-fried shrimp in an airtight container. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
• Keep the shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and pickles in separate containers to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Store the light mayonnaise and hot sauce mixture in a small airtight container. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For the whole wheat sub rolls, store them in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
• To freeze the air-fried shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen shrimp in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Assemble the po boys just before serving to ensure all ingredients are fresh and the shrimp remains crispy.

• preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). wrap the sub rolls with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. place them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• for the shrimp, use an air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. preheat the air fryer to 350°f (175°c) and cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• if you don't have an air fryer, you can reheat the shrimp in a skillet. heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are hot and crispy.

• to reheat the lettuce, tomato, and pickles, it's best to keep them at room temperature. you can place them on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before assembling your po boy.

• for the spicy mayo, you can simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a quick stir to bring it back to its original consistency.

• Air fryer: This is essential for cooking the shrimp to a crispy, golden perfection without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: You'll need this to combine the shrimp and buttermilk, as well as to mix the flour and cajun seasoning.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer.

• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the light mayonnaise and hot sauce to create the spicy mayo.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the buttermilk, flour, and other ingredients.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the tomato and pickles.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the tomato and pickles.

• Spoon: Handy for spreading the spicy mayo on the sub rolls.

• Plate: Useful for assembling the po boys and serving them immediately.

Prep ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare all ingredients like shrimp, buttermilk, and cajun seasoning ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-shredded lettuce: Save time by using pre-shredded lettuce instead of shredding it yourself.

Slice vegetables ahead: Slice the tomato and pickles in advance and store them in the fridge until needed.

Double the sauce: Make a larger batch of the spicy mayo and store it in the fridge for future use.

Air fryer efficiency: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary, but ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.