There will be a label on every kind of food, from fresh fruit and vegetables to a bag of chips, that says when it goes bad. Usually, this is when the food’s makers tell you not to eat it because the taste and quality won’t be as good as when you eat it before it goes bad.
Even Original pork rinds will have a label on it that says when it goes bad or “best before.” Youve probably seen those and wondered how accurate they really are. After all, you dont want to end up eating something thats gone bad. Do expiration dates really matter in pork rinds?.
Pork rinds are a beloved low carb, high protein snack enjoyed by many. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of that first crunchy bite of these crispy deep fried pig skins. However, it doesn’t take long before those leftover bags of pork rinds go from crackly to limp. Fortunately, restoring that satisfying crunch is easy to do with a few simple tricks.
The Appeal of Pork Rinds
Also known as pork crackers pork scratchings or chicharrones, pork rinds are made by slicing pig skin into pieces then frying or baking until puffed and crispy. The end result is a light, airy snack with aunique texture. Some of the reasons pork rinds are so popular include
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Low in carbs and high in protein – Perfect for keto and low carb diets
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Gluten free and often paleo friendly
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Come in a variety of flavors from simple salt to spicy Cajun
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Make a crunchy breading for cooking when crushed
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Satisfy cravings for something salty and crispy
Why Pork Rinds Go Stale
Freshly cooked pork rinds are irresistibly crunchy. Unfortunately, this crispness is fleeting. A few factors can quickly rob them of their signature crackle:
Moisture – Small amounts of oil and moisture remaining after cooking eventually migrate from the interior to the surface, causing the crisp exterior to soften.
Temperature – Warm storage temperatures accelerate the moisture migration process.
Staleness – As pork rinds sit, their structure starts to break down, causing softening.
Handling – Crushing and jostling the delicate skins during shipping and storage makes them lose their airy crunch.
Simple Strategies for Crisping
When your pork rinds have lost that satisfying crispness, don’t toss them out. With a few easy tricks, you can revive the crunchy texture in just minutes. Here are some effective ways to crisp up stale pork rinds:
Microwave – Microwaving is one of the quickest ways to crispen pork rinds. Place a single layer between paper towels and microwave on high in 10 second intervals, checking often. Stop when they reach the desired crunch level.
Oven – Spread pork rinds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Air Fryer – Air fryers use super hot circulating air to crisp and dehydrate. Cook rinds at 400°F for 1 to 3 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Stovetop – Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable or peanut oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Fry rinds in small batches for 20 to 60 seconds until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Dehydrator – Spread rinds on trays and dehydrate at 135°F for 1 to 3 hours, checking periodically until crisped.
Tips for Extending Freshness
To help your pork rinds stay crisper longer, follow these tips:
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Choose smaller bags over large ones to limit air exposure.
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Expel excess air from bags before sealing to remove moisture.
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Store opened bags in the refrigerator or freezer to minimize staleness.
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Avoid humidity by keeping bags away from moist areas like the sink.
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Carefully transport bags to avoid crushing the delicate skins.
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If oils appear, blot with a paper towel to prevent softening.
Fun Ways to Use Recrisped Pork Rinds
Once you’ve revived those limp pork rinds, enjoy their newly crisped texture in creative ways:
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Sprinkle on salads for a low carb crunchy topping.
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Use as breading on chicken tenders or fish fillets.
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Crush and use in place of breadcrumbs in recipes.
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Top chilis and tacos for additional hearty texture.
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Dip into hummus, guacamole or creamy dips.
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Garnish soft desserts like pudding for contrast.
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Add to trail mixes along with nuts and seeds.
Now you can keep opened bags of pork rinds fresh longer and recrisp those that have gone stale. A quick spin in the microwave or oven is all it takes to restore that satisfaction of the first satisfying crunch.
What Can I Do With Stale Pork Rinds?
You can crush your pork rinds to use them in other recipes when they are too old to eat as a snack at that point. Still, you can add them to soup, use them as a garnish on everyday meals, or use them instead of breadcrumbs when cooking chicken, fish, etc.
Do Pork Rinds Have an Expiration Date?
A bag of pork rinds will have a label showing the expiration date. But these are not as sensitive in pork rinds compared to other snack foods. This is because pork rinds are treated with high heat and are typically dry. They don’t retain any water content or moisture, making them less susceptible to microbial growth, if at all.
Most of the time, pork rinds expiration dates only mean that the product will not be as tasty, airy, or crunchy after that date. You may not enjoy it as much as you would have if you ate it right after buying it. Some manufacturers also use expiration dates for the purpose of product rotation.
Pork rind crumbs have a shelf life ranging from nine months to two years. The crumbs will stay fresh and tasty for this long as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place in a container that doesn’t let air in. After two years, the crumbs may start to lose their flavor and become less crunchy.
Do it Yourself Pork Rinds that IMPRESS!!
FAQ
How do you reheat pork rinds in the air fryer?