How to Properly Store Pork Rinds to Keep Them Fresh and Crispy

Pork rinds make for a tasty, low-carb snack. With their crunchy texture and salty savory flavor they can really hit the spot when you’re craving something salty and crispy. But like any food, keeping pork rinds fresh and avoiding staleness comes down to proper storage.

Follow these simple guidelines to learn how to store pork rinds the right way. You’ll be able to keep those bags tasting great and crunchy for longer!

Check the Packaging

First check the packaging your pork rinds come in. Pork rinds packaged in foil bags tend to have a longer shelf life compared to clear plastic bags. The foil better protects the rinds from light exposure.
For maximum freshness, choose unopened bags whenever possible. Once opened, the pork rinds will start to lose crispness faster.
Also check the expiration or “Best By” date on the packaging. This will give you an idea of how long the pork rinds should retain peak freshness and flavor unopened.

Optimal Storage Locations

Keep bags of pork rinds in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard. The ideal temperature is around 70°F.
Avoid warm, humid areas like above the stove or refrigerator. The moisture can lead to faster staleness.
Don’t store pork rind bags directly in sunlight or heat. Light and heat degrade the proteins that give pork rinds their crunch.
The refrigerator can also work for short term storage of a month or less. Place opened bags in a sealed container first to prevent fridge odors.

Opened vs. Unopened Storage

Unopened bags stored properly in a cool, dry pantry will stay fresh for about 2-3 months past any “Best By” date.
Once opened, pork rinds will start to lose their signature crispiness. Eat opened bags within 1-2 weeks for best texture.
To maximize freshness of opened bags, re-seal the bag tightly or transfer rinds to an airtight container. Limit air exposure.
Resist the urge to store opened bags in the pantry long term. The air and humidity will make them limp and stale faster.

Freezing for Long Term Storage

You can also freeze pork rinds to keep them fresh for up to 6 months.
Ensure bags are tightly sealed before freezing. Or, place opened rinds in airtight containers or freezer bags first.
Lay bags flat in the freezer to prevent breakage and maximize space. Avoid crushing or bending bags.
Let frozen pork rinds thaw at room temperature before eating for best texture. Don’t microwave – this makes them limp.

What Makes Pork Rinds Go Stale?

There are a few main factors that can make pork rinds lose their signature crunch over time:

Moisture – Any moisture exposure leads to limp, soggy rinds. Keeping them in sealed packaging prevents this.
Oxygen – Oxygen degrades the proteins and causes oxidation of fats in pork rinds. Minimizing air exposure preserves freshness.
Light – Light causes similar protein/fat breakdowns. Storing in opaque bags or containers helps block light.
Heat – Heat accelerates the chemical reactions that lead to staleness in pork rinds. Cool, dry storage spaces work best.

Reviving Stale Pork Rinds

If your pork rinds have already started to lose their crunch, there are some tricks to temporarily revive them:

Place rinds on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This dries them out and makes them crisp again.
Microwave 20-30 seconds to remove moisture, but beware this can make them chewy.
Let sit out overnight – this draws out moisture and restores crispness as they dry.

While these tricks may help, stale pork rinds won’t be quite as fresh and tasty as when newly opened. Proper storage is key for maintaining that signature crunch!

Storing Homemade Pork Rinds

For homemade pork rinds:

Let them fully cool and drain on paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease.
Transfer cooked rinds to a sealable container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
Store in the refrigerator and eat within 5-7 days for best quality and freshness.
To freeze, spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until hard. Transfer to bags.

Follow these guidelines on storing bags of pork rinds properly and you’ll be able to keep them tasting great for longer. A little care in storage goes a long way! Plus, your crunchy cravings will always be satisfied.

How to make your own Pork RInds | How to use Pork Pellets

FAQ

Should pork rinds be refrigerated?

Side note: The pieces can hold at room temperature, wrapped in a paper towel in a sealed container, for up to three days. David Chang recommends storing them in a sealed container with a packet of silica gel to keep them dry—in the fridge for up to a week.

How long do pork rinds last?

Store-bought pork rinds have a shelf life of around 3-9 months, but homemade pork rinds will only last 3 days at room temperature or a week in the freezer. This is because store-bought pork rinds are packaged in a way that prevents moisture and increases food safety, thereby increasing their shelf life.

How do you store chicharrones?

Chicharrones are always best at their freshest, but these will keep for about 5 days if stored in an airtight container. You can also season your freshly fried pork skins with chili powder, paprika, or lime zest. Enjoy them as is, or mix up a bowl of your favorite salsa or guacamole for dipping.

How to store fresh cracklins?

You can choose to store it in a fridge or to store your crackling in a freezer for an even longer period. But, you’d need to keep the crackling in an airtight or a tight cling film which helps prevent damage and spoils from your crackling.

How do you keep pork rinds fresh?

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your best pork rinds for snacking and make them softer and taste as good as good as the day you bought them. If you don’t want your pork rinds to dry out and become hard, store them in an airtight container.

Why is pork not recommended to eat?

This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.

Do pork rinds need to be refrigerated?

Unlike the store-bought snack, homemade pork rinds should be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container. I don’t recommend keeping them at room temperature. I usually keep them in the fridge for about five days and find that they stay tasty for that long.