I had a new sink installed with a sprayer on it. I replaced the old disposer with a new one and had an air gap just dangling below the sink with both the hoses from the dishwasher and disposer clamped to it. Of course this leaks. The dude at Home Depot said it has to be above the sink rim. Now, the hose connected to the sprayer connects directly under & to the faucet. Do I need to take this off? The water lines from the hot & cold are connected to the pipes below, so will taking off this sprayer hose, will it affect anything, such as leaks... Stuck

The dude at Home Depot said it has to be above the sink rim And that's why he's in there talking while the rest of us are out there doing.
Let me show you how to keep your sprayer and have a air gap at the same time. This is called a "high loop" (see image) and in all the hundreds my company has installed and all the many we have recommended we have yet to receive our first complaint.
If local codes allow, you may forgo installing an air gap and install the drainage hose with a large loop between the point where it discharges from the dishwasher and enters the sink drain. Think of a bell-shaped curve. Make sure to attach the drain hose as far up in the cabinet as you can, using hose clamps or a pipe strap to secure it, when you run it between the dishwasher and the disposal.
Good luck, Tom