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Experience the ultimate crunch with homemade Chicharrones. These golden, crispy morsels of fried pork belly are a Tex-Mex and Latin American treasure. Achieved through a two-step process of simmering until tender and frying until irresistibly puffy, they are perfect for snacking with a squeeze of lime, crumbling over guacamole, or adding a savory crunch to your favorite dishes.
Simmer the Pork Belly
Drain and Thoroughly Dry the Pork
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Experience the ultimate crunch with homemade Chicharrones. These golden, crispy morsels of fried pork belly are a Tex-Mex and Latin American treasure. Achieved through a two-step process of simmering until tender and frying until irresistibly puffy, they are perfect for snacking with a squeeze of lime, crumbling over guacamole, or adding a savory crunch to your favorite dishes.
This tex_mex recipe takes 105 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1245.87 calories per serving with 21.63g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for snack or appetizer.
Fry the Chicharrones
Season and Serve
After frying, toss the hot chicharrones with a mixture of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite chili powder for a spicy kick.
For a fresh flavor, toss the finished chicharrones with finely chopped fresh cilantro and a pinch of dried oregano along with the salt.
After boiling and thoroughly drying the pork, arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
Pork belly is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair, building tissues, and supporting overall body function.
The pork skin is a natural source of collagen, which may contribute to healthy skin, hair, nails, and joint function when consumed as part of a varied diet.
The high fat and protein content can lead to a greater feeling of fullness, which may help in controlling overall calorie intake when consumed in moderation.
Chicharrones contain virtually no carbohydrates, making them a suitable snack for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, providing energy primarily from fat.
A typical 150g serving contains approximately 810 calories, primarily from fat and protein. This can vary based on the fat content of the pork belly and how much oil is absorbed.
Chicharrones are an indulgent snack high in fat, calories, and sodium. They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are, however, a good source of protein and are naturally free of carbohydrates.
Yes! After boiling and thoroughly drying the pork, arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 8-10 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.
The most common reason is insufficient drying. The skin must be completely dry before it hits the hot oil. Another reason could be that the oil temperature was too low, which cooks the pork slowly rather than shocking the skin to puff it up.
Store cooled chicharrones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will lose some crispness. To reheat and restore their crunch, place them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Skin-on pork belly is ideal because the combination of fat, meat, and skin creates the perfect texture. Pork skin alone can also be used to make lighter, airier pork rinds (chicharrones de viento).