Why am I destroying my MOSFETs?

Ppl39:
So far I was thinking of using IR2301 as a driver and supplying it with 5v from a buck converter.

No, that's a high-low driver, you need just a low-side driver and you need to give it at least 5V for that MOSFET
if the datasheet says its OK at 5V (*). I've used the MIC4422 before which will definitely do the job (its actually
overkill really), many many other driver chips exist. Note that a MOSFET driver chip needs decoupling just like
any other chip, and 1uF or more ceramic is good.

(*) Some mosfet drivers may require a higher supply. The STP36NF06L MOSFET can handle gate
voltages from 5 to 12V and operate properly.