On cranks with the bolt "hidden" behind the crankarm, I do indeed put the nut facing out and the bolt in from the backside. Usually a small chainring nut spanner will fit behind the crankarm, but it's rarely necessary. I have an ancient Dia-Compe tool that I can't believe I haven't lost in the 30+ years that I've owned it :-0 But Park makes a good one, too, of course:
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-CNW.../dp/B01EONOXWE
If you absolutely can't fit the proper tool in there, usually a thin, flat-bladed screwdriver on edge will allow you to hold the nut enough to break loose the chainring bolt.