Air Fried Fish Po Boys Recipe

White fish: Mild-flavored fish like cod or tilapia, perfect for frying.

Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the fish.

Cornmeal: Provides a crispy coating for the fish fillets.

All-purpose flour: Helps bind the cornmeal to the fish.

Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a spicy kick.

Hoagie rolls: Soft rolls that hold the fish and toppings.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

Tomato: Sliced for a juicy, fresh topping.

Mayonnaise: Creamy spread for the rolls.

Hot sauce: Adds heat to the buttermilk marinade.

When dredging the fish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, press the coating firmly onto the fish to ensure an even and thorough coating. This will help achieve a crispier texture when air frying. Additionally, make sure to preheat the air fryer to the specified temperature to ensure the fish cooks evenly and develops a golden, crispy exterior.

• white fish - Substitute with chicken breast: If you prefer a non-seafood option, chicken breast can be used. It will provide a different texture but still works well with the other ingredients.

• white fish - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp can be a great alternative, offering a similar seafood flavor and texture.

• buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and consistency of buttermilk.

• buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.

• cornmeal - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can provide a similar crunchy texture when air-fried.

• cornmeal - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can also offer a crispy coating similar to cornmeal.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.

• cajun seasoning - Substitute with old bay seasoning: Old Bay seasoning can provide a similar spicy and savory flavor profile.

• cajun seasoning - Substitute with creole seasoning: Creole seasoning is another great alternative with a similar spice mix.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with baguette: A baguette can be used for a similar texture and taste.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls offer a slightly different texture but work well for sandwiches.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can provide a similar fresh and crunchy texture.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with arugula: Arugula adds a peppery flavor and can be a good alternative.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can add a sweet and smoky flavor.

• tomato - Substitute with cucumber slices: Cucumber slices can provide a fresh and crunchy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy and creamy alternative.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado can provide a creamy texture and healthy fats.

• hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can offer a similar spicy kick.

• hot sauce - Substitute with chili paste: Chili paste can provide a similar heat and flavor.

• Allow the fish fillets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• Place the cooled fish fillets in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to maintain crispiness.
• Store the hoagie rolls separately in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Keep the shredded lettuce and tomato slices in separate containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent them from making the bread soggy.
• For the mayonnaise and hot sauce mixture, store it in a small airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing Guidelines

• To freeze the fish fillets, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the fish fillets to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• The hoagie rolls can also be frozen. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag.
• Avoid freezing shredded lettuce and tomato slices as they do not thaw well and can become mushy.

Reheating Instructions

• To reheat the fish fillets, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For the hoagie rolls, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Assemble the Po Boys with fresh shredded lettuce and tomato slices after reheating the components.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.

• For a quick and crispy option, use your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish fillets in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• To reheat the hoagie rolls, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy.

• If you want to reheat the entire Po Boy sandwich, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish fillets are hot and the hoagie rolls are warm.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

• To reheat the shredded lettuce and tomato slices, it's best to use fresh ingredients. However, if you must reheat them, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low power for 20-30 seconds, just until they are slightly warm.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the fish fillets to a golden and crispy finish without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce, and to combine the cornmeal, flour, and cajun seasoning.

• Whisk: Used to mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together evenly.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the fish fillets halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the buttermilk, cornmeal, flour, and mayonnaise.

• Knife: Used to slice the tomato.

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

• Toaster: Used to toast the hoagie rolls.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading mayonnaise on the hoagie rolls.

• Plate: For assembling the po' boys and serving.

Marinate in advance: Soak the fish fillets in buttermilk and hot sauce the night before to save time.

Pre-mix coating: Combine the cornmeal, flour, and cajun seasoning ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Use pre-shredded lettuce: Buy pre-shredded lettuce to skip the shredding step.

Slice tomatoes early: Slice the tomato and store in the fridge until needed.

Toast rolls together: Toast all hoagie rolls at once in the oven to save time.