Step 1

Pat chicken dry with a paper towel, slice the chicken thighs in half

Step 2

In a shallow bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, 2 tsp smoked paprika, onion powder, salt and black pepper

Step 3

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, baking powder and baking soda

Step 4

Working one piece of chicken at a time, dip first into the dry mixture to coat, then dip into the wet mixture and then back into the dry

Step 5

Repeat with all pieces of chicken

Step 6

Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes

Step 7

Spray the air fryer with cooking spray

Step 8

Working in 2 batches, place half of the chicken thighs in the basket*

Step 9

Air Fry for 6 minutes on each side, when you flip spray again with cooking spray

Step 10

Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and place on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil

Step 11

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with the remaining paprika

Step 12

Before you put the chicken in the air fryer, mix together the waffle mix

Step 13

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt

Step 14

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and vegetable oil

Step 15

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix with a spoon or spatula until fully combined

Step 16

Heat waffle maker

Step 17

When you put the chicken in the air fryer start making the waffles

Step 18

Spray hot waffle maker with cooking spray

Step 19

Add enough waffle batter to fill the waffle maker

Step 20

Cook until golden brown

Step 21

Serve honey chicken on top of the waffles and top with maple syrup, if desired