Skins stayed on, they went on the grate raw, and they came out just right. I thought about par-boiling or charring to remove the skins, but no need. I used half unlit in a bigger better basket and added half a lit chimney. Bottom vent was 1/4 open, and it settled in to 300 pretty easily. 45 mins did the trick. I will make these again! Too spicy for my wife - so I get them all!