This FOOLPROOF crispy Chicken Skin Chips (Cracklings) recipe is a great low carb or paleo snack, or crispy topping! Learn how to make this crunchy snack in the pan, oven, or air fryer!
Place chicken skin face down in a cold nonstick pan along with any excess chicken fat.
Turn the heat to medium and cook until you hear sizzling, about 1-2 minutes.
Add water to the pan and bring to a high simmer. Reduce the heat back to medium and continue cooking until the water has evaporated, leaving the rendered fat to crisp up the skin, flipping as needed until a deep golden brown.
Remove and drain on a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle on chicken skin while hot.
Alternatively, cut chicken skin into bite size pieces and use on top of stir fries, noodles, soups for extra crunch. Strain the rendered chicken fat into a glass or airtight container to use for potatoes or vegetables!
Notes
Key Tip! Lay the chicken skin fat side down, and let the chicken skin render in the pan as it gradually comes to temperature. This initial rendering of the fat will help the chicken skin hold its shape resulting in flat pieces. Save the chicken fat! Crisping the chicken skin up in the pan will render out a lot of chicken fat. Strain this fat and save it in an airtight container to use for potatoes or other vegetables!Air Fryer Instructions: Place the chicken skins in a flat layer in your air fryer basket and sprinkle with a touch of kosher salt. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the chicken skin and a flat ceramic plate to keep the chicken skins flat (if you are ok with them curling up, you can omit this step). Air fry at 350F for 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Season with your favorite seasonings!Oven Instructions: Similar to the air fryer, place a piece of parchment paper on one baking sheet and lay the chicken skins flat on the baking sheet and season with salt. Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the skin and a baking sheet on top of the chicken skin to keep them flat. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until the skin is crispy. Season with your desired seasonings!Storage: Store in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag for 2-3 days to use as a crunchy topping or paleo snack!