Air-Fried Pork Rinds: A Healthy Crunch?

Pork rinds, pork scratchings, pork crackling, chicharrones, or pork belly—whatever you want to call them, you can make them in an air fryer! This cooking method yields a healthier, crispier, and puffier version of the popular snack.

How to prepare the pork skin

Preparing the pork skin is a crucial step in making pork rinds. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, obtain raw pork skin, which can be bought from local butchers, Hispanic or Asian markets, or online. If you can't find pork skin, buy skin-on pork belly and remove the skin with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Try to cut as close to the skin as possible without cutting through it.

Once you have the pork skin, trim any excess fat attached to it using a sharp knife or chef's knife. It is important to remove as much fat as possible, as this will allow the pork rinds to puff up more during frying. However, it is fine if a little bit of fat remains.

After trimming, cut the pork skin into bite-sized pieces or strips. You can use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife for this step. There is no need to be precise with the sizing; cutting them into approximately 1-inch squares or strips is sufficient.

The next step is optional but recommended: drying the pork skin. Place the pieces on a plate or baking sheet and leave them uncovered in the fridge for at least 24 hours to dry out. This step helps to get the best crackling.

If you decide to dry the pork skin, remove it from the fridge a few hours before cooking to let it warm to room temperature. Then, using a sharp knife, score the top of the skin by making several cuts across the surface. This will help the oil and seasoning penetrate the skin.

Rub oil onto the skin, ensuring it penetrates the cracks made from scoring. You can use olive oil or any other oil with a high smoke point. Generously coat the skin with oil, as this will enhance the flavour and texture of the final product.

Finally, season the pork skin with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can use fine salt or kosher salt, depending on your preference. Other seasoning options include black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or smoked paprika.

Your pork skin is now ready to be cooked in an air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The cooking temperature and duration for making pork rinds in an air fryer will depend on the brand and model of the air fryer being used. It is recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer. However, here is a general guide for the temperature and duration:

Set the air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Check the pork rinds after 10 minutes and continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until they are dry and crispy. The total cooking time can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pork rind pieces and the desired level of crispness. It is important to ensure that the pork rinds are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket and not overloaded, as this can affect the cooking time and crispness of the final product.

For the best results, it is crucial to prepare the pork rinds properly before placing them in the air fryer. This includes cutting them into snack-sized pieces, drying them thoroughly, and ensuring that there is as little fat on the skin as possible. The drying process can be done by placing the pork rinds uncovered in the refrigerator overnight or using a dehydrator. Boiling the pork rinds before dehydration can also help improve their texture.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your pork rinds is the final step in the cooking process. You can season them with salt or your favourite spices while they are still warm.

If you want to get creative, you can use any number of seasonings and flavourings to add variety to your pork rinds. Here are some ideas:

• Paprika: Use sweet or smoked paprika to add a smoky, slightly sweet flavour.
• Garlic powder: This will add a savoury, umami flavour.
• Chilli powder: For those who like a bit of heat, chilli powder will give your pork rinds a spicy kick.
• Barbeque seasoning: You can buy a bottle of barbeque seasoning in any supermarket.
• Cheese powder: If you like cheesy snacks, try adding some cheese powder to your pork rinds. You could also add some onion salt to make cheese and onion-flavoured scratchings.
• Sazon: This is a typical seasoning used in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Granulated garlic: This is a must-have ingredient for any recipe, according to one source.
• Lime juice: Squeeze some lime juice over your pork rinds for a Caribbean vibe.

Storing your pork rinds

Degrease and Separate the Cracklings:

Before storing your pork rinds, it's important to let them cool down to room temperature. Then, use a paper towel to absorb any excess grease from the surface of the cracklings. This step will help prevent them from becoming soggy during storage.

Choose the Right Storage Container:

Always store your pork rinds in an airtight container or a sealed food storage bag. Avoid using paper bags, as they can get soiled in the fridge or freezer. Glass mason jars or airtight containers are ideal for maintaining freshness and preventing oxidation.

Refrigerate or Freeze:

If you plan to consume the pork rinds within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, such as up to three months, it's best to keep them in a freezer. Place them on the bottom shelf at the rear of the refrigerator, which is typically the coldest part.

Use Oxygen-Absorbing Packets:

To prevent oxidation and prolong the shelf life of your pork rinds, consider using oxygen-absorbing packets. This is especially useful if you plan to store them at room temperature.

Vacuum Seal and Freeze Dehydrated Skins:

If you have dehydrated pork skins that haven't been fried yet, you can vacuum seal them and store them in the freezer. This method can extend their shelf life for up to a year.

Store in the Fridge for Best Results:

Unlike store-bought pork rinds, homemade pork rinds are best stored in the fridge. They can be placed in an airtight container or a glass food storage container and will stay fresh for about five days. It's recommended to remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before consuming to bring them to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Pork rind alternatives

While pork rinds are a popular snack, there are several alternatives to this crunchy treat that you can make in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Vegan Pork Rinds

If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you can try making pork rinds using rice paper sheets. Cut the rice paper into small strips or triangles, heat some oil in an air fryer or a pan, and fry the rice paper until it puffs up. You can then season it with your favourite spices, such as cayenne, chilli, salt, and pepper.

Chicken Skin Chips

For those who enjoy the taste of chicken, chicken skin chips offer a similar crunchy texture to pork rinds. You can make these at home by cutting chicken skin into squares or strips, sprinkling them with salt, and air frying or baking them until crispy.

Pepperoni Chips

Another option is to make pepperoni chips, which can be paired with dips like guacamole. Simply cut pepperoni slices into desired shapes and air fry or bake them until crispy.

Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are another crunchy snack option. You can make these at home by slicing or grating cheese into thin pieces and baking or air frying them until crispy.

Vegetable Chips

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can make vegetable chips using vegetables like zucchini, radish, or cauliflower. Slice the vegetables thinly, season them, and air fry or bake until crispy.

Other Alternatives

Other crunchy snack alternatives include nuts, seeds, pickles, seaweed snacks, and cucumber slices.

So, while pork rinds are a tasty treat, there are plenty of other options to satisfy your crunch cravings, many of which can be made in an air fryer!

Frequently asked questions