Air Fryer Pork Rinds: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pork rinds are a popular snack food in many countries, and they are known by different names depending on the region. They are the fried and roasted skin of the pig, generally puffy and crispy like a chip. Because they are high in fat and low in carbohydrates, they are considered keto-friendly.

Pork rinds can be made from scratch in an air fryer, and the process is much healthier than deep-frying. The air fryer also simplifies the cooking process and makes it less messy.

Ingredients:

- Pork skin/rind

- Salt

- Oil (optional)

Method:

1. Cut the pork skin/rind into strips and then into bite-sized pieces.

2. Place the pork pieces in a bowl and add salt and oil (if using). Mix well.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.

4. Arrange the pork pieces in the air fryer basket.

5. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 10 minutes.

6. Continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until the pork pieces are dry and crispy.

7. Season with salt or your favourite spices while still warm.

8. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy pork rinds as a snack or use them as a substitute for breadcrumbs!

How to get the crispiest pork rinds in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Pork rinds/skin
• Salt
• Oil (optional)

Method:

• Clean and dry the pork skin.
• Cut the pork skin into small, evenly sized pieces.
• (Optional) Place the pork skin in a bowl and add a teaspoon of oil and some salt. Mix well so that the pork skin is evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
• Place the pork skin pieces in the air fryer basket and put the basket into the air fryer.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and stir the pork skin.
• Air fry for another 10 minutes, then stir the pork skin again.
• Continue air frying in 5-minute intervals until the pork rinds are crispy. This will take approximately 35 minutes in total, but the time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• (Optional) For extra crispy pork rinds, air fry for an additional 5 minutes at the highest temperature setting.
• Remove the pork rinds from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• Use a very sharp knife to cut the pork skin, as it can be tough to slice through.
• Make sure to dry the pork skin thoroughly before placing it in the air fryer, as any moisture will affect the crispiness.
• You can add extra salt or other seasonings to taste after the pork rinds are cooked.
• Store the pork rinds in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy.

Variations:

• For a lighter and puffier texture, dry out the pork skin in the fridge for at least 24 hours before air frying.
• You can also make pork crackling by air frying rolled-up pieces of pork skin for 30 minutes at 180°C/360°F, then air frying for an additional 5 minutes at 200°C/400°F to make them extra crispy.
• For pork scratchings, chop the cooked pork crackling into small pieces and air fry for another 5 minutes.
• You can also make ranch-flavoured pork rinds by tossing the cooked pork rinds with ranch dressing and seasoned salt.

How to prepare pork skin for air frying

Preparing pork skin for air frying is a simple process, but it requires a few important steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare pork skin for air frying:

Selecting and Cleaning the Pork Skin

Start by selecting a good-quality pork skin, preferably with most of the fat removed. You can purchase pork skin or pork rind from your local butcher or supermarket. If you intend to separate the skin from a pork roast or pork belly, ensure you have a sharp knife or piercing tool to remove it carefully.

Once you have the desired amount of pork skin, clean it thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Use a paper towel to pat the skin dry. It is crucial to ensure the skin is as dry as possible, as moisture will affect the crispiness of the final product.

Cutting and Seasoning the Pork Skin

After cleaning and drying the pork skin, use a sharp knife to cut it into strips or pieces of your desired size. Place the cut pork skin into a bowl. At this stage, you can add seasonings like salt, garlic powder, chilli powder, or any other spices you prefer. Mix the pork skin pieces with your chosen seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Drying and Dehydrating the Pork Skin

Place the seasoned pork skin on a plate or tray, ensuring the skin side is facing up. Leave the pork skin uncovered in a refrigerator overnight to dry out. This step is crucial, as it helps to remove any remaining moisture and improves the crispiness of the final product.

After drying, remove the pork skin from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Then, use a sharp knife to score the surface of the skin by making several cuts or slashes. This step will help the seasonings penetrate the skin and enhance the flavour.

Air Frying the Pork Skin

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 200°C and 400°F. Place the pork skin pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Air fry the pork skin for approximately 20 minutes, but be sure to check on the progress and adjust the timing as needed, as different air fryers may vary.

Once the pork skin is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can season it further with salt or other spices if desired.

Storage

Pork skin cooked in an air fryer is best consumed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as moisture can make them soft and chewy.

How to season pork rinds

Seasoning your pork rinds is a great way to add flavour to your snack. You can season them with salt, or try something more adventurous like paprika, garlic salt, or even cinnamon and sugar.

• Salt is a classic seasoning for pork rinds and can be added while they are cooking or afterwards.
• Paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavour.
• Garlic powder adds a savoury, umami flavour.
• Chilli powder will give your pork rinds a kick of heat.
• Barbeque seasoning can be bought in a bottle from any supermarket.
• Cheese powder will give you that cheesy flavour.
• Onion salt will make your pork rinds taste like cheese and onion.
• For a Mexican feel, try coating your pork rinds with taco or enchilada seasoning.
• For a simple, spicy option, toss your pork rinds in olive oil and smoked paprika, chipotle chilli powder, and cumin.
• For a Cajun option, toss your pork rinds in melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper.

You can also use pork rinds as a zero-carb substitute for gluten and grain products. Try using them as a breading for chicken, onion rings, or avocado fries, or as a thickening agent in patty recipes like falafel and crab cakes.

How to store pork rinds

Storing pork rinds correctly is essential to preserving their freshness, crispness, and crunchiness. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your pork rinds remain in optimal condition:

Storing Freshly Made Pork Rinds:

• Cooling and Degreasing: After frying your pork rinds, let them cool to room temperature. Use paper towels to separate and absorb excess surface grease from each piece.
• Airtight Container: Place the degreased 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.
• Refrigeration or Freezing: For short-term storage, up to 3 days, store the container in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, up to 3 months, keep it in the freezer. Place the container in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the bottom shelf towards the rear.

Storing Dehydrated Pork Skin:

If you've made a batch of dehydrated pork skin, which you plan to air fry later, here's how to store it:

• Airtight Container: Dehydrated pork skin can be stored in an airtight container for a long time.
• Freezing: For even longer-term storage, you can vac pack the dehydrated pork skin and freeze it. This method can keep it fresh for up to a year.

Tips for Optimal Storage:

• Moisture Control: Pork rinds tend to absorb moisture from the air, so ensure your container is impermeable to water vapour. Glass mason jars are an excellent choice for storage.
• Oxidation and Rancidity: To prevent oxidation and rancidity caused by oxygen exposure, consider using oxygen-absorbing packets or dessicant packs along with your airtight container.
• Room Temperature Storage: If you store your pork rinds at room temperature, they may soften a bit over time. For prolonged crunchiness, it's best to store them in a cool, dry place.

How to make air fryer pork crackling

Ingredients:

• Pork skin/rind
• Salt
• Oil (optional)

Method:

• Clean and dry the pork skin.
• Cut the pork skin into strips, then cut the strips into bite-sized pieces.
• Place the pork pieces into a bowl and add salt and oil (if using). Mix well.
• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
• Place the pork pieces into the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and stir the pork pieces.
• Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork crackling is crispy.
• If the crackling is not crispy enough, continue to cook in 5-minute intervals until done.
• Remove the crackling from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly.
• Season with additional salt or your favourite spices, if desired.
• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips:

• It is important to dry the pork skin thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispy results.
• You can also dry out the pork skin in the fridge for at least 24 hours before cooking to enhance the crackling.
• Pork crackling is ready when it snaps easily in half.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the pork skin.

Frequently asked questions