Fried Pork Skin

Fried pork skin, also known as pork rinds or cracklings, is a snack food made by frying or roasting pork skin until it is crisp. The process typically involves boiling the skin to remove fat, then deep-frying it in hot oil until it puffs up and becomes crunchy. It is often seasoned with salt or other flavorings.

Fried pork skin is primarily used as a crunchy snack food, often seasoned with various flavors like salt and vinegar, barbecue, or spicy chili. It is also sometimes used as a crunchy topping for dishes or as a breading alternative for fried foods, adding texture and a savory flavor.

Fried pork skin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of protein and fat, and can be high in sodium depending on seasoning. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many food ingredients, but specific evaluations for fried pork skin itself are not widely publicized. Because it is fried, it can be high in calories and fat, and some preparations may contain high levels of sodium.