The Complete Guide to Storing Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are a beloved snack for many people who love the satisfying crunch and bold, savory flavor. However, like many snacks, pork rinds don’t have an indefinite shelf life. Proper storage is key to keeping pork rinds fresh and preventing them from going stale quickly.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing pork rinds, whether they are store-bought or homemade.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Pork rinds can lose their signature crisp texture and become soggy quite easily if not stored correctly Exposure to air, light, and moisture are the biggest enemies of fresh, crunchy pork rinds

Proper storage helps block these elements from ruining your pork rinds’ texture and flavor. It also prevents the growth of bacteria that can make the pork rinds unsafe to eat.

When stored improperly, pork rinds will go stale within just a couple days. But with the right storage methods, they can stay fresh for weeks or even months.

Storing Store-Bought Pork Rinds

For store-bought pork rinds, it’s important to reseal the bag tightly after opening to block out air. An opened bag left sitting out can go stale in less than a day.

After opening the packaging, pork rinds can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days when tightly sealed. For longer storage, refrigeration is best.

To store in the fridge:

• Place opened bag of pork rinds in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Make sure the container is completely sealed.

• Store in the back of the fridge, which tends to be the coldest area.

• Pork rinds can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated when properly sealed.

The freezer offers even longer storage for pork rinds. To freeze:

• Place pork rinds in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, squeezing out excess air.

• Lay bag flat in the freezer to prevent breakage.

• Frozen pork rinds can keep for 4-6 months.

Allow frozen pork rinds to come completely to room temperature before eating for best texture.

Storing Homemade Pork Rinds

Since homemade pork rinds don’t contain preservatives, they are more prone to going stale quickly compared to store-bought. Refrigeration is a must for maximizing freshness.

After cooking and cooling homemade pork rinds, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Glass storage containers or resealable bags work well. Make sure to press out excess air before sealing.

For extra moisture protection, you can add a silica gel pack inside the container. This will absorb any moisture that could otherwise make the pork rinds soggy.

Properly stored, homemade pork rinds can stay fresh in the fridge for 5-7 days. Beyond that, freeze any extras for long-term storage.

To freeze homemade pork rinds:

• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until hard.

• Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out excess air.

• Label bag with date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen homemade pork rinds overnight in the fridge before eating.

Ideal Storage Conditions

To recap, the ideal conditions for storing pork rinds are:

• Cool temperature – store refrigerated or frozen

• Low humidity – use containers that block moisture

• No exposure to air – seal containers airtight

• Away from light – store in opaque, not clear, containers

Following these guidelines, both store-bought and homemade pork rinds can stay crunchy and flavorful for much longer.

Signs Pork Rinds Have Gone Bad

If you’re unsure how long pork rinds have been stored, check them carefully before eating. Signs that pork rinds have gone bad include:

• Soft, soggy, or limp texture

• Visible mold growth

• Strange odors – should smell only like pork

• Discoloration – should be light golden, not gray

• Rancid taste

Pork rinds displaying any of these qualities should be discarded. Don’t take risks with questionable pork rinds.

Keeping Pork Rinds Crispy

If your pork rinds have started to lose their crunch, there are some tricks to restore crispiness:

• Oven crisping – Place on a baking sheet at 250°F for 10-15 minutes.

• Air fryer – Crisp at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking occasionally.

• Microwave – Not recommended, makes pork rinds soggy.

• Use hot water to tighten skin – Smooth out wrinkles and tighten surface.

• Dry thoroughly after exposing to moisture.

While recrisping can help, it’s best to eat pork rinds soon after opening for ultimate freshness.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Creative cooks have found many ingenious uses for leftover pork rinds beyond snacking:

• Use as breading for fried foods like chicken or fish.

• Crush up for a crunchy topping on salads or nachos.

• Mix into ground meat as a binder for burgers or meatballs.

• Thicken and add flavor to dips.

• Make homemade crackers by baking seasoned pork rind dough.

With proper storage and creative use, you can get every bit of enjoyment out of a bag of pork rinds. Follow these tips to always have deliciously crunchy pork rinds ready to grab for snacking anytime.