This Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich Recipe originates from Louisiana and is served on a French bread baguette with lettuce and tomatoes. No need to venture out to Nola or to Popeyes for this Cajun and Creole treat!
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This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated.
Table of Contents
What is a Po' Boy? What's on the Sandwich?
A po boy is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana. I have always enjoyed them while visiting New Orleans. It usually includes fried seafood like shrimp, crawfish, or crab. I have also seen it with roast beef. It's served on French bread along with tomatoes, lettuce, and remoulade sauce.
You can pan/deep fry these or for a healthy option, you can throw the shrimp in the air fryer!
Why Do They Call it a Po' Boy?
Some theories say it comes from a 1929 strike in Louisiana against a street car company. The street car company fed their colleagues free sandwiches, referred to as poor boys, spoken a "po" taking into account the dialect.
What Type of Shrimp to Use
Shrimp can be found at the grocery store in a few different ways. There is raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, tails off, etc.
I never use pre-cooked shrimp. There is an obvious difference in taste due to the lack of quality. The shrimp is cooked and then frozen and you have to cook it/warm it up again. This usually overcooks the shrimp. Raw shrimp only takes minutes to make, just buy it raw.
Always look for deveined, that's my preference. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is the digestive intestinal tract. Is this shrimp poop, yes.
You can buy it with the vein and remove it using a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.
I like to buy large shrimp, that's my preference. If you want to bite into the sandwich and grab an entire shrimp, go for medium-sized.
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What Type of Bread to Use
The fried goodness is usually served on French bread or a baguette. The bread is usually toasted and crunchy. Trust me. Prepared correctly, the sandwich is everything and more!
Why Buttermilk
The key to tasty shrimp lies in the marinade. I always marinate my shrimp in advance. Because the shrimp in this recipe is fried, you will want to marinate the shrimp in buttermilk or whatever you prefer to use as a brine, in addition to your seasoning.
The buttermilk will then adhere to the fish fry that is used to create crunchy shrimp.
How to Substitute Buttermilk
You can use a beaten egg instead. Skip the marinating steps.
Remoulade Sauce
What is remoulade sauce? The sauce is mayo-based. Let me stop here. If you are one of those people who hate mayo, I encourage you to try it anyway! It has garlic, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a few other things that you will see below. The sauce pairs perfectly with seafood.
More Creole and Cajun Recipes
Instant Pot Gumbo
Shrimp Etouffee
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits
Blackened Fish Tacos
More Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Jerk Shrimp Recipe
Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning I used Tony Chachere
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup Louisiana Fish Fry Coating
- cooking oil spray (if air frying) I use olive oil
- canola or vegetable oil (if pan frying) You will need enough oil to fill 2 inches of height in your frying pan.
- 4 French bread hoagie rolls I used 2 loaves, cut each in half
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 tomato slices
Remoulade Sauce
- ½ cup mayo I used reduced-fat
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ lemon juice of
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
- ½ teaspoon Creole Seasoning I used Tony Chachere
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 green onion chopped
Instructions
Remoulade Sauce
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate prior to serving while the shrimp cooks.
Shrimp and Breading
- Marinate the shrimp in the Creole seasoning and buttermilk for 30 minutes. I like to use a sealable plastic bag to do this.
- Add the fish fry to a bowl. Remove the shrimp from the bags and dip each into the fish fry. Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket.
Pan Fry
- Heat a frying pan with 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees. Use a thermometer to test the heat.
- Fry the shrimp on both sides for 3-4 minutes until crisp.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and drain the excess grease using paper towels.
Air Fryer
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket.
- Spritz the shrimp with cooking oil.
- Cook the shrimp for 5 minutes on 400 degrees. Open the basket and flip the shrimp to the other side. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until crisp.
Assemble the Po Boy
- Spread the remoulade sauce on the French bread. Add the sliced tomato and lettuce, and then the shrimp.
debi says
We recently got an oven that does air fry. These look fabulous! I can't wait to try them! Thanks!
Deanna says
I love shrimp po boys!! This looks sooo good!!!
lisa says
You are killing me... I was supposed to go to New Orleans for my birthday and it didn't happen because of Hurricane Irma. Maybe I can create my own escape with these stellar Po' Boys!
Lisa Huff says
Oh boy, I really need to get an air fryer. I love shrimp po boys!!
Sarah says
One of my favorite parts of visiting New Orleans was the Po
Boy and this looks like a perfect recipe to bring that wonderful city into my kitchen! XO
Tonya says
I have never tried this before, but it sounds seriously delicious! I’m not the greatest cook, but I feel like you laid this out in easy to follow steps!
I’ve been cutting out red meats, so I’ve been looking for some good seafood recipes! Can’t wait to try this!!
Diana says
I've been wanting an air fryer for so long, the shrimps look so perfectly crispy!
Tina says
I have heard great things about air fryers, this is great!! What do I need to know?
staysnatched says
They are pretty easy to use. Experimenting with cooking times is probably the first thing you will need to get used to.
Laura says
They look so yummy, I would actually eat them by themselves, great marinate and sauce
Nicola @ Happy Healthy Motivated says
I always love a lightened-up recipe! And those prawns look absolutely incredible. So crispy and yummy on the outside!
fiona says
I've never used an air fryer but you certainly make it sound tempting! These looks great can't wait to try!
Cassie says
This looks absolutely delicious! I really want to get an air fryer to try out this recipe and some others I've seen. Seems you can do a lot with them
Jolina says
Those shrimps look so crispy! I like how you didn't have to use a ton of oil to get the crunch. And yay, lucky for me I love mayo 🙂 We can't wait to try your recipe!
Stephanie says
Oh my gosh, this looks delicious! I love the idea of an air fryer but haven't tried one out yet.
Lois Alter Mark says
Oh my goodness, this looks too good- my mouth is watering over here! I love that you can get the crunch and taste of fried shrimp without all the excess oil. Will definitely have to try this some time soon.
hey sharonoox says
You had me at shrimp. This sandwich looks so delicious! I've never tried frying shrimps on my air fryer except fries but I'm going to try making this. Thanks for the recipe!
Joan Cajic says
My husband would really love this since he is really into seafood unlike me who's not really a fan guess I haven't found a good shrimp recipe to make me love them, but I'm willing to try this since it looks incredibly delicious.
Rachel says
God this looks and sounds so good! I need one now!
Brittany says
Oh my goodness. It looks delicious!!!
Amber Myers says
This looks so tasty! My kids and husband would gobble it right up. They love their shrimp.
Anosa says
This is my first time learning of a Shrimp Po Boy type of sandwich. Thanks for the tips about the buttermilk, I need to consider that should I ever make this recipe.
Vaheh Hartunian says
Chicken from an air fryer is my favorite way or preparing fried chicken. I haven't tried it on shrimp, but I'm sure it would be just as good. I've never been able to get the timing on shrimp right. I almost always overcook them.
Soonjoo says
Last year we went to Louisiana and I tried shrimp po boy and it was so good! I never thought of making at home but I would love to try this at home!
Mjchristine says
Tasty shrimp in a bun! yummy! I think my husband would love this!
Claudia Krusch says
This looks amazing. I need to get an air fryer just so I can make this recipe. I am sure it will be a big hit in my house.
Patricia-Ann Que says
po boys are the best! ate them everyday when i was in NOLA and good to know that i can have them now with this recipe! thanks so much!
Caitlin says
I feel like I'm missing out because I've never had a po boy before! Looks so crunchy and yummy!
Helen says
This looks delicious! This recipe is amazing. I will definitely try this recipe soon! Will be sharing to my friends also. 🙂
Rachel says
Looks delicious and makes me miss home! I really wish we could get crawfish up here. Pinning.
Nikki says
Wow, that looks like a robust sandwich! I love my air fryer, there are so many yummy things that I have yet to make it in that I need to try.
Jamie Nicholls says
YUM! I use the air fryer almost daily, and it is a small appliance that is commonplace on my kitchen countertop. Definitely a great investment, especially for those that have busy lifestyles.
sarah camille says
I love Po Boys and this one looks so delicious! We have an electric fryer too, but an air fryer sounds like a great upgrade!
Jen Walker says
I always get a fried shrimp po boy when I go to New Orleans, although I have never actually made one myself. I'll definitely have to give this a go!
Rosey says
My oldest would probably love an air fryer. I've been trying to think of something perfect for him that he wouldn't expect, and that is going to be it (for Christmas).
Ingrid Rizzolo says
A Shrimp Po Boy is a food I've never had. I am glad you explained that it is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana. I love sea foods so the the fact that it includes fried seafoods like shrimp, crawfish, or crab makes me think I would really enjoy the Louisiana Shrimp Po Boy. Why is it referred to as a "po boy" any way?
staysnatched says
It dates back to the early 1900s. The sandwiches were fed to streetcar workers on strike that were referred to as poor boys.
Deb Dutta says
OMG These are really cool ! I've never had them but would love to!
Blair villanueva says
After reading your post and couldn't help feeling hungry with your delectable recipe, i am sold with this air fryer! My Mom will love it as well.
David Elliott says
I have been seeing the air fryers everywhere. They are pretty awesome. I love a good Po Boy and would love to try making one using an air fryer for sure. Looks delectable.
Olivia Stacey says
This sounds delectable! I love a good Po Boy -- always delicious!
Melissa Daugherty says
Looks delicious. I’m confused about the part of the directions that say to spray the shrimp with olive oil but not to directly spray the shrimp. Do you mean don’t spray the shrimp too closely because it will start frying and burn you?
staysnatched says
At this step you haven’t air fried anything. There’s no risk of burn. The shrimp is breaded. If you spray the breading directly, you may lose breading.
Keri says
Made these tonight! SO GOOD! I used your tip from your other recipes about mixing egg and milk instead of buttermilk and let them marinate for about hour with the creole seasoning. Popped these babies in the air fryer for the time suggested +1 minute for extra crisp and they were perfect!! I used medium shrimp because it’s what I had left over and we just loaded up the rolls with them. Another win for me during quarantine for my household! THANK YOU!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Jordan says
This was delicious! The remoulade was so good. I followed the whole recipe step by step for the air fryer... NO SUBSTITUTIONS! I never thought I could make this at home! I had to stop myself from eating the shrimp before putting it on the sandwich because it was sooooo good. I’ve tried so many bad shrimp po’boys (from restaurants) but this is #1. I will never ever buy another shrimp restaurant Po’boy now that I can make it myself.
staysnatched says
YAY! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Pat Marino says
Outstanding. As all of your recipes that I made so far thank you. Pat.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Cassandra says
Living near New Orleans, I have become a huge fan of Po Boys! I think I have eaten a shrimp one from almost every place in Baton Rouge that is “known for their Po boy”. My husband likes hot sausage po boys, which are pretty good too! I have truly missed eating them during this pandemic, so I am glad to have come across this recipe so I can make it at home! I made one last night and it was amazing! I didn’t need any extra creole/cajun seasoning like I do at some places. It was perfect. Definitely got my fix and look forward to making them at home more often!
staysnatched says
That's so good to hear!
Jennifer says
I just took my last bite of this po’boy & I want to make another one...?. This is another recipe that will be in rotation. I love how QUICK & EASY it was to make. I pan fried the shrimp this time, but I plan to air fry them the next time. Thanks for the recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad to hear.
Laura R says
This sandwich was so good! I made them using the air fryer method and they turned out perfectly. The sauce was awesome, too! Will be making these again soon!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Collins says
Hubby and I tried a restaurant last weekend that had shrimp po’boys, so we decided to purchase and support our people. Well the sandwich was a disappointment. I told him we’d make our own and I came right on over to the Brandi shop. lol
Y’all....and another one!! It was so good and to get the whole experience of the sandwich, you have to make the sauce too. Another easy, quick recipe. Brandi about to have us not eating out at all.
staysnatched says
This makes me so happy! Thank you!
Toya T says
Absolutely love this recipe. I made this on July 4th and it was so delicious. It was a hit in my house.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Dyanne says
My first time making a a po'boy. The recipe was very easy to follow and came together quickly. It was so delicious!! I am going to be making this on a regular basis now!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Amy Petros says
Wonderful recipe. Delicious and easy. Our baguette was too tough to eat with the sandwich so next time I'll get a softer roll. That remoulade sauce is perfection!!!!
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the remoulade sauce as well!
Kayla says
I love this recipe so much. I've made it several times and its quickly became a family favorite. My daughter, who is extremely picky, eats every bit of this and actually requests it. Id give it 10 stars if I could!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love when I can impress a picky eater.