In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Set up a dredging station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, add the breadcrumbs mixed with dried thyme.
Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each thigh in flour, ensuring it's coated evenly, then into the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior.
Preheat your air fryer to 380. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165.
While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until creamy.
Once the chicken is air-fried to perfection, remove it from the air fryer. Plate the chicken thighs and generously drizzle the creamy gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite side dishes!
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor.