A late goal from former Hibernian defender Paul Lovering secured the points for Airdrie as they leap-frogged Ross County in the lower half of the table.
Martin Hardie had given the Diamonds the lead in the 16th minute but an own goal from Stephen Docherty levelled matters before the break.
Airdrie piled on the pressure in the second period and they were rewarded with just four minutes left on the clock when Lovering headed in William McLaren's corner at the near post.
Airdrie created the first opening of the game when Mark Roberts swung in a dangerous ball from the right but Willie Wilson just failed to knock the ball in at the far post.
Airdrie were looking the sharper outfit and Roberts was not far away with an effort that flew over the crossbar.
The visitors deservedly took the lead in the 16th minute when Hardie forced the ball over the line at close range after Owen Coyle had set up the chance.
County tried desperately to get back into the game and after Cowie's cross was missed right in front of goal, Alex Burke's goal-bound shot was headed clear by Docherty.
County got back into the game thanks to a lucky break. David Winters sent a dangerous ball into the box under pressure from Sean Higgins and Docherty sliced the ball into his own net for an equaliser.
Airdrie dominated in the second half and forced corner after corner.
Stuart Malcolm came to his side's rescue on a number of occasions but the County rearguard was penetrated four minutes from the end when McLaren's corner was headed in at the near post by Lovering.