Chicharrones De Harina

Chicharrones de harina are a popular and crunchy street snack, perfect as an appetizer or snack. These easy and quick-to-make snacks are so addictive and perfect with hot sauce, lime juice, and chili powder. I guarantee light and airy snacks will be your next favorite snack.

Frituras Mexicanas | Mexican Fried Snacks

Frituras Mexicanas are a delightful assortment of traditional Mexican fried snacks enjoyed as appetizers, street food, or casual treats. An excellent example of these fried snacks is the chicharrones de harina, made from dry wheat flour dough and deep-fried until it puffs up, creating a light and crunchy texture. Even though they are vegetarian, their appearance resembles traditional pork rinds (chicharrones). 

In This Post

• Frituras Mexicanas | Mexican Fried Snacks
• How to make Chicharrones de Harina
• Notes and tips 
• How to Eat Your Chicharrones de Harina
• More Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
• Frequently Asked Questions About Chicharrones de Harina
• How do I store Chicharrones de Harina?
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Before looking like a pork rind, these snacks' textures are firm and more like hard pasta, which is why they are also called "duros," “duros de harina,” or "duritos." It is usual for Street vendors to sell these puffed snacks in small plastic baggies with hot sauce like Valentina or Tapatio. They come in several shapes like large rectangles, small squares, pinwheels or wheels, small circles, snakes, and twists.

In my hometown, vendors walk around the beach, selling them to families as they enjoy the scenery; what's not to like? One thing for sure is that these crunchy delights have earned their place as a cherished part of Mexican snack culture for as long as I can remember. They deliver a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite. I hope you try them. 

Street vendor selling Chicharrones de harina "Duritos" snacks by the beach.

How to make Chicharrones de Harina

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients:

Here is the list of ingredients in this traditional Mexican snack recipe:

• Dry flour chicharrones (Mexican pinwheel chips)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Chili powder 
• Lime wedges and hot sauce for serving
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Even though this recipe is straightforward, I will break it down for you for an easy follow-up. 

Heat the Oil:

• Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or frying pan (About 300°F). Ensure there's enough oil for deep frying. 

Fry the Chicharrones:

• Carefully place a few of the dry chicharrones into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, as they will grow triple in size. They should puff up quickly. Use a spatula or metal basket if you have one, and press gently on the center to help them puff evenly.

• Fry each chicharrón until it turns golden brown. This step should take about 30 seconds.

Drain Excess Oil:

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicharrones from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain.
• Place the cooked chicharrones over a paper napkin in a bowl or baking sheet to absorb excess oil. 

• Repeat the frying process with the remaining dry chicharrones.

Serve:

• Once all the chicharrones are fried and drained, serve them immediately. Sprinkle them with a pinch of salt or your favorite seasoning.

Optional Toppings:

• Serve chicharrones de harina with lime wedges and hot sauce. You can also experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, Tajin, or a squeeze of lemon.
• Enjoy!

Notes and tips 

• When purchasing chicharrones de harina, check the packaging for freshness and quality. Look for ones with minimal broken pieces for a satisfying crunch.
• If you have a deep-fry thermometer for deep-frying, use it. Maintain the oil temperature between 300°F and 350°F. This ensures that the chicharrones puff up and become crispy.
• Fry the chicharrones chips in small batches (single layer) to prevent overcrowding. This allows each piece to cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture.
• As the chicharrones puff up in the hot oil, gently press the center with a spatula, helping them puff more evenly and ensuring a light and airy texture.
• Be creative and add your favorite chili powder, such as cayenne pepper, tajin, or paprika, as a topping. 

How to Eat Your Chicharrones de Harina

Chicharrones de Harina are perfect for a hot day snack with a cold beer or your favorite agua fresca.  Add your favorite hot sauce, lime juice, chile powder, or pico de gallo. Some people also dip them in guacamole or other savory dips like frijoles puercos. 

More Mexican Recipes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Strawberries and cream 
• Mexican street corn (Esquites) 
• Quick appetizer recipe
• Chicken skewers 

If this recipe was helpful to you, please come back and let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!
Mely,

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicharrones de Harina

Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions you may have about this recipe. 

What are Chicharrones de Harina?

Chicharrones de harina are popular Mexican puffed flour snacks. They are deep-fried until they puff up and become crispy, resembling pork rinds. Street vendors sell them in plastic baggies, topped with salsa, lime juice, and chili pepper. 

Where can I find Chicharrones de Harina?

Chicharrones de Harina is available in Mexican grocery stores or some Latin stores (look in the Mexican spice aisle). They are also available online. 

How do I store Chicharrones de Harina?

Store Chicharrones de Harina in an airtight container or ziplock bag to maintain crispness. They will last 4-5 days as if they were just fried. Keep them in a cool, dry place, at room temperature, away from moisture, to prevent sogginess. If your chicharrones lose some of their crunch over time, you can briefly place them in a toaster oven for a few seconds to restore their crispiness.

Are Chicharrones de Harina vegan?

Yes, Chicharrones de Harina are vegan, made with wheat flour, water, and salt. However, always check the ingredients, as some commercially produced varieties may contain additional additives.

How do I prevent Chicharrones from becoming too greasy?

Ensure the oil is hot before frying to avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove excess oil after frying, and place the pieces over paper or a napkin. 

How are Chicharrones de Harina Made?

Chicharrones de harina are made with a mixture of water, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This dough is cooked, extended using a rolling pin, and then placed over baking sheets to cool and dry. They are usually sundried. This is based on one of my vintage recipe books.

These snacks are not made with pork unless they are fried in lard. They are not gluten-free since they are made with wheat flour. It's safe to eat for kids, we even share a few of these treats with our dog.

For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina 

📖 Recipe