I use an air fryer to cook my chicken now but I've done it on the stove for decades.
Your photos look really good. I think you should give yourself more credit here. I'm guessing you aren't too far away from your ideal preparation. Around here, they tell me to keep trying so I'm passing along that sage advice!
I think my air fryer can do a decent roast chicken, but haven't been successful in making a 'fried' chicken this way.
Thanks - I will keep trying - that's the fun of it!