Kanji – learning 音読み/訓読み or actual usage?

So im wondering how people learn Kanji best. I've just done the Tokiniandy Kanji which helped with parts of Kanji. But when it comes to learning actual Kanji. I am finding i am doing better by learning words that use Kanji and their readings rather than learning each Kanji and their numerous readings.

Very curious about people's thoughts about this. Such as does just learning words restrict your Kanji knowledge, will not knowing each Kanji's readings punish me later or does learning words risk missing out on critical theory with Kanji.