The Best Ways to Soften Up Crunchy Pork Rinds

Pork rinds, also known as pork cracklings or chicharrones, are a beloved snack food made from deep-fried pig skin. They have a super crispy, crunchy texture that people adore. However, there are times when you may want to soften up those rock-hard pork rinds to incorporate them into recipes or make them easier to chew.

In this comprehensive guide we will explain everything you need to know about softening pork rinds. You’ll learn the different methods for softening as well as tips and tricks to help you achieve tender, mellow pork rinds every time.

Why Would You Want to Soften Pork Rinds?

Pork rinds are intrinsically very crispy and crunchy. This texture is part of their appeal as a salty snack. However, there are several reasons why you may want to soften them up:

• To use them as breadcrumb substitutes in recipes like meatloaf or burgers. Softened pork rinds more closely mimic the texture of breadcrumbs.

• To make them easier to chew if you have dental issues. Hard pork rinds can be difficult to chew, especially for those with dentures or sensitive teeth.

• To use them in recipes where you want them to break down, like chicharrones in salsa or stew.

• To tone down the crunch if it is overpowering in a recipe or snack.

• To let flavors like seasoning or sauce soak in for more flavor infusion.

So while crispy pork rinds have their place, sometimes a less crunchy texture is desired. Luckily there are a few easy ways to soften them up.

Methods for Softening Up Pork Rinds

There are three main methods you can use to soften pork rinds: boiling, steaming, and baking. Each technique results in slightly different textures, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

Boiling

Boiling pork rinds in water is one of the quickest and easiest ways to soften them Here is a simple process

• Place desired amount of pork rinds in a pot and cover with water. The water should come at least 1 inch above the rinds.

• Bring water to a boil over high heat

• Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the pork rinds to gradually soften as they absorb moisture.

• Drain off water and taste a rind. If it’s still too hard, simmer for 2-3 more minutes.

Boiling produces pork rinds that are inflated and pillowy soft. They will be flexible but not fall totally apart. This makes them ideal for crumbling over dishes or using in wet recipes.

Steaming

Steaming is another moist-heat method that gently softens pork rinds. It takes a bit longer than boiling but retains more crunch.

• Add 1-2 inches of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket in pan.

• Add pork rinds to steamer basket, making sure not to overload.

• Cover pan and steam for 12-15 minutes. Check frequently and remove basket when desired texture is reached.

Steamed pork rinds will be puffed up and softened but still have a bit of chew left in the skin. The crunch will not be completely eliminated.

Baking

Baking is a dry-heat way to soften pork rinds in the oven. It leaves them with a mellow crunch and great for recipes where you don’t want them totally soggy.

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

• Arrange pork rinds in a single layer on the sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap.

• Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed up and slightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Baked pork rinds will retain a subtle crispy exterior but the puffy interior will soften and become easier to bite through. Start checking early to prevent overbaking.

Tips for Softening Pork Rinds

To end up with perfectly softened pork rinds, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Start with very crispy, fresh pork rinds. Old or stale ones won’t soften as well.

• Work in smaller batches for even cooking. Softening large amounts may require adjustments.

• When boiling or steaming, make sure pork rinds are fully submerged. Dry spots won’t soften.

• Allow cooked pork rinds to cool slightly before handling or they can fall apart.

• Season during or after softening for best flavor impact.

• If reheating softened pork rinds, use the oven or toaster oven to recrisp without toughening.

• Customize cooking times based on desired final texture. The longer you cook, the softer they get.

• Fried pork rinds won’t ever get fully soft. Aim for “mellowed crunchy” rather than totally tender.

With proper technique and cooking times, you can soften pork rinds for any recipe while still retaining that delicious flavor. Adjust methods and cooking times until you achieve the perfect balance of crunchy versus tender. Soon you’ll be a pork rind softening expert!

Using Softened Pork Rinds in Recipes

Softened pork rinds are incredibly versatile in recipes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use them after you’ve softened them up:

• Coat chicken, fish, or chops: Finely crush softened rinds and use as a crispy coating in place of breadcrumbs or panko.

• Bind burgers and meatloaf: Chop softened rinds and mix into the ground meat to help bind it together.

• Bread pork cutlets: Flatten thinly sliced pork between sheets of plastic wrap and coat with softened rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

• Top casseroles: Sprinkle slightly crushed softened pork rinds over casseroles right before baking for a crispy crunch top layer.

• Make chicharrones con carne: Simmer softened rinds in a beef and chile sauce until they break down into tender bits.

• Add to dips: Finely chop and mix into creamy dips and spreads for fun texture.

• Use in salads: Toss bite-size softened pieces into green salads, pasta salads, or potato salads.

• Make pork rind crackers: Brush very thinly flattened pork rinds with oil and seasonings. Bake until crisp.

Softened pork rinds are so useful for adding crunchy texture and savory flavor to all kinds of dishes beyond just snacking. Get creative with recipes and enjoy those porky morsels in new ways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Softening Pork Rinds

If you’re new to softening pork rinds, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs.

What’s the best way to soften a large bag of pork rinds quickly?

For softening big batches fast, boiling is the way to go. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the entire bag and give them a good 10-15 minutes simmering in the boiling water, checking frequently for your desired doneness. Drain and let cool before using.

Is there a way to soften pork rinds without moisture or heat?

Unfortunately, there is no good way to dramatically soften crunchy pork rinds without adding some moisture and/or heat. The high protein and collagen content of the skin requires hot water or steam to break down the structure.

Can I soften pork rinds in the microwave?

You can attempt to use the microwave but it often leaves pork rinds chewy rather than soft. Microwaving can also cause them to get leathery and stiff. For best results, stick to traditional boiling, steaming, or baking methods.

How long will softened pork rinds stay fresh?

If thoroughly dried after cooking, softened pork rinds will stay fresh in an airtight container for 5-7 days. To refresh stale softened rinds, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for a few minutes to crispen up again.

Is there any difference between softening chicharrones and pork rinds?

Chicharrones and pork rinds are essentially the same thing. So the same softening methods work excellently for both. Focus on finding the freshest most rigid chicharrones or rinds for the best softening results.

Get Creative with Softened Pork Rinds

We’ve just scratched the surface of the many ways you can use softened pork rinds. Here are a few more ideas to inspire you:

• Make pork rind nachos by topping softened fried rinds with cheese, veggies, beans, etc.

• Use in place of croutons in soups and salads.

• Fold finely crushed rinds into burger or sausage meatloaf mixtures.

• Toss bite-size pieces into your favorite barbecue pulled pork or chicken.

• Grind into a crunchy coating for air fryer proteins like shrimp or tofu.

• Substitute for brea