Crispy Chicken Skin: Air Fryer Secrets

Crispy chicken skin is a tasty, crunchy treat that can be made in an air fryer. It's a great keto-friendly snack and can be seasoned with salt, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. To make it, you'll need to pat the chicken skins dry, season them, and then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can also use parchment paper and a flat plate to keep the chicken skins flat. Air fry at 350-400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy. This guide will teach you how to make perfect crispy chicken skin in your air fryer every time.

Pat the chicken skin dry

To get the crispiest chicken skin in an air fryer, it is important to pat the chicken skin dry. This is because moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before seasoning or applying oil, ensure that you pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel or cloth to remove excess moisture. This step helps to set the stage for a crispy finish.

If you choose to marinate the chicken, do so for a short period of about 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Avoid overnight marination, as it can make the chicken too soft. A dry rub is a great alternative that won't add extra moisture.

Wipe down the chicken skin with a paper towel and ensure it is completely dry before placing it in the air fryer. This will help you achieve the crispy texture you desire.

Season with salt and spices

To make crispy chicken skin in an air fryer, it's important to ensure the skin is dry before seasoning and cooking. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and set the stage for a crispy finish.

When it comes to seasoning, it's best to stick to salt only, as other spices and herbs can burn during the cooking process. Sprinkle salt evenly over both sides of the chicken skins. If you want to add additional spices and herbs, it's best to do so after the chicken skins are done cooking.

Some suggested seasonings to add after cooking include nutritional yeast, tomato powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and rosemary or thyme.

For optimal air circulation, avoid placing too many pieces of chicken in the air fryer at once. Cooking in batches will allow each piece to crisp up properly. When seasoning and placing the chicken in the air fryer, maintain a slight tension on the skin to help it crisp without sagging or becoming soggy.

Cook at 350-400°F

To crisp up chicken skin in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for getting crispy skin without overcooking the meat. Here are the steps to follow:

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin is crucial for achieving crispness. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred dry rub or spice blend. You can also brush the chicken with oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to help the skin crisp up and turn golden brown. Be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point suitable for air frying.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature within this range can depend on your air fryer model and personal preference. Place the chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd the basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes at 350°F to 400°F, depending on the thickness of the chicken and your desired level of crispness.

For thicker chicken pieces or if you prefer your chicken well done, consider air frying at 350°F for a slightly longer time to ensure the meat is cooked through without burning the skin. If you are cooking in batches, transfer the first batch of chicken to a warm oven to keep it crispy while cooking the remaining chicken. Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F to 400°F until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure juicy, tender meat. Enjoy your perfectly crisp chicken with its mouthwatering, golden skin!

Flip halfway through

To make crispy chicken skin in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the skin is as dry as possible before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so pat the skin dry with a paper towel or cloth to remove excess moisture.

When cooking, it is recommended to flip the chicken skins halfway through to ensure even cooking and to help them cook flat. This is especially important if you are cooking chicken skins on a baking sheet in the oven, as the skins can curl up in the pan.

For optimal air circulation, avoid placing too many pieces of chicken in the air fryer at once. Cooking in batches will allow each piece to crisp up properly. When seasoning and placing the chicken in the air fryer, maintain a slight tension on the skin to help it crisp without sagging or becoming soggy.

• Pat the chicken skins dry with a paper towel.
• Season the chicken skins with salt. It is recommended to only season with salt at this stage, as other spices and herbs may burn.
• Place the chicken skins in a single layer, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes.
• At the halfway point (6 minutes), flip the chicken skins over so they are skin-side up.
• Air fry the chicken skins for the remaining 6 minutes, or until crispy.
• If the skin is still a little flabby, add another minute or two to the cooking time.
• Remove the chicken skins from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool.
• Once cooled, season with your preferred spices and herbs.

Drain and cool

After cooking, remove the chicken skins from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain the excess oil and cool down. The skins will not be completely hard until they have cooled down, but they should be golden. They will get crispier as they cool. Make sure to pat the skins dry before cooking them; excess moisture can prevent crispiness.

If you are cooking in batches, empty out the oil in the air fryer bin before starting the next batch to prevent smoking.

Chicken skin crisps can be served as a snack or used as a crunchy topping on stir-fries, noodles, or soups. They can be paired with a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

It is important to note that chicken skin should be consumed in moderation as it has a high level of unsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy.

Frequently asked questions