Step 1

Place chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, and 2 teaspoons of the salt in a large bowl; toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 2

Stir together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 3 teaspoons of the salt in a large shallow bowl. Place eggs in a separate shallow bowl.

Step 3

Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl; transfer chicken to a rimmed baking sheet or a large plate. Working with 1 thigh at a time, dredge chicken in flour mixture, turning to coat and pressing to adhere; gently shake excess flour mixture into bowl. Place thigh in bowl with eggs, turn to coat. Return chicken to flour mixture; gently turn to coat and place on a separate baking sheet or plate. Repeat coating process with the remaining thighs.

Step 4

Lightly coat an air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add 4 thighs to basket, skin side down, and coat top with cooking spray. Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes. Flip chicken over and coat top with cooking spray. Continue cooking at 375°F until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of meat registers 165°F, about 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat cooking process with remaining 4 chicken thighs.

Step 5

While chicken cooks, heat chile in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey, vinegar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring mixture to a simmer over low, stirring occasionally (honey will foam and bubble). Remove saucepan from heat; set aside at room temperature to allow honey mixture to infuse, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

To serve, drizzle hot honey mixture evenly over chicken thighs.