The Complete Guide to the Emeril Air Fryer

The Emeril Air Fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation technology to cook food with little to no oil. This gives you the crisp, delicious taste of fried foods without all the extra calories and fat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Emeril Air Fryer, from how it works to recipes, troubleshooting tips, comparisons, and maintenance best practices.

1. Emeril Air Fryer Overview

The Emeril Air Fryer line features several models designed by acclaimed chef Emeril Lagasse. Here are the key things to know about these air fryers:

Features and Specifications

Utilizes rapid air heat technology to crispy foods with less oil
Features an easy-to-use digital touchscreen interface
Comes with a wide temperature range from 175°F to 400°F
Has a built-in timer up to 60 minutes
Auto shut-off safety feature for added peace of mind
Cool-touch exterior stays safe to touch during cooking
Includes a non-stick crisper tray and other accessories
Stainless steel and plastic construction for durability
1-year limited warranty

Different Models Available

There are several sizes and configurations of the Emeril Air Fryer:

Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 – 5.8 quart capacity
Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 Plus – 6 quart capacity with rotisserie
Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 XL – 8 quart larger capacity
Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 Deluxe – 8 quart deluxe model

Price Range and Where to Buy

Emeril Air Fryers range in price from $99 to $249 depending on size and features. They are available online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and other major retailers.

Warranty and Customer Support

All Emeril Air Fryer models come with a 1-year limited warranty. Customer support and product information is available through the company’s website.

Emeril Lagasse’s Involvement

The Emeril Air Fryer line is designed and promoted in partnership with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. His recipes, food knowledge, and cooking techniques inform the product’s development.

2. How the Emeril Air Fryer Works

The Emeril Air Fryer uses rapid air technology to achieve that crispy, fried texture in food with a fraction of the oil. Here’s an inside look at how it works:

Air Frying Technology

A powerful heating element and fan circulate hot air around the food at high speed, like a convection oven. This allows the food to cook evenly and develop a crispy outer layer.

Temperature and Time Settings

The digital interface lets you precisely control the cooking temperature from 175°F to 400°F. Set the timer for up to 60 minutes for hands-free cooking.

Cooking Modes and Presets

In addition to manual settings, the Emeril Air Fryer offers convenient one-touch cooking presets for:

French fries
Chicken
Steak
Seafood
Baked goods
Roasted veggies
Reheating

Accessories and Attachments

The air fryer comes with useful accessories like a crisper tray, cooking tongs, rotisserie spit, skewers, dripping tray, and removable parts that are dishwasher safe.

Safety Features

For added peace of mind, the Emeril Air Fryer includes an automatic shut-off, cool-touch exterior, and overheating protection.

3. Cooking with the Emeril Air Fryer

The Emeril Air Fryer makes it quick and easy to cook a wide variety of tasty dishes. Here are some tips for making the most of this appliance:

Preparing Food for Air Frying

Cut ingredients into smaller uniform pieces to help them cook evenly.
Lightly oil or spray food with a small amount of oil for crispiness.
Shake or toss food midway during cooking for optimum crispness on all sides.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Lean proteins like chicken or fish cook at 350°F for 8-12 minutes.
Fresh veggies are done at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
Frozen foods may take 15-20 minutes at 400°F to heat through.

Using Oil in the Air Fryer

Use just 1-2 tsp of oil to lightly coat foods, avoiding excess pooling.
Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil work well.
Mist or spray oils work nicely for even distribution.

Cooking Various Types of Food

You can easily make just about anything in the Emeril air fryer, including:

French fries – Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.
Chicken wings – Tender and juicy wings with crispy skin.
Fish fillets – Flaky textures without any heavy batter.
Brussel sprouts – Roast these to perfection.
Homemade pizza – Crisp crust without drying out the toppings.

Tips for Even Cooking

Allow the air fryer to preheat properly before adding food.
Cut food into uniform shapes and sizes.
Flip or shake items midway through cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket.
Use a meat thermometer for baked goods and meats.

4. Emeril Air Fryer Recipes

One of the best things about the Emeril Air Fryer is the wide range of quick and easy recipes you can make in it. Here are some top dishes to try:

Appetizers and Snacks

Air fried pickles
Chicken nuggets
Mozzarella sticks
Potato wedges
Veggie chips

Main Dishes

Lemon pepper chicken breasts
Cajun fish tacos
Beef meatballs
Pizza
Turkey burgers

Side Dishes

Roasted broccoli
Sweet potato fries
Fried rice
Garlic Brussels sprouts
Baby back ribs

Desserts

Baked apples
Churros
Apple turnovers
Double chocolate brownies
Banana fritters

Healthy Options

Tofu cubes
Zucchini fries
Fruit crisps
Herb roasted carrots
Cauliflower wings

There are so many options for creative and tasty meals. Look for Emeril’s own air fryer recipes online or in cookbooks for inspiration.

5. Cooking Pizza in the Emeril Air Fryer

One of the handiest uses for the Emeril Air Fryer is making quick pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. Here’s how to do it right:

Preparing the Pizza

Use fresh or thawed frozen pizza dough.
Roll or stretch dough out to fit air fryer basket.
Top dough lightly with sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Cook 6-inch pizzas around 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
Cook 12-inch pizzas around 325°F for 10-12 minutes.

Using Store-Bought Pizza

Follow package instructions for pre-made crusts or flatbreads.
Some pizzas may need flipped midway through cooking.

Making Homemade Pizza

The Emeril Air Fryer excels at making homemade pizza from scratch.
Use your favorite crust and sauce recipes.
Get creative with fun toppings!

Tips for a Crispy Crust

Preheat fryer properly before baking pizza.
Spray crust lightly with oil for extra crispness.
Don’t overtop or the crust won’t crisp fully.

6. Cooking French Fries in the Emeril Air Fryer

Crispy french fries are one of the most popular snacks to make in an air fryer. The Emeril Air Fryer can cook fries to perfection in just minutes.

Preparing the Potatoes

Use starchy russet potatoes for the best fries.
Cut potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries.
Soak cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove starch.
Pat fries thoroughly dry before air frying.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Cook at 400°F for 17-22 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
Thinner fries may cook faster than thicker ones.

Seasoning Options

Sprinkle fries with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cajun seasoning.
For spicy fries, use chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Tips for Crispy Fries

Don’t overcrowd fries in the cooking basket.
Use a two-step method, cooking at a lower then higher temp.
Allow cooked fries to rest before salting for a crisper coating.

Healthier Alternatives

Use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of white potatoes.
Coat fries in cornstarch instead of deep frying.
Omit salt and use healthier herbs and spices.

7. Emeril Air Fryer Troubleshooting

The Emeril Air Fryer is designed for reliability, but occasional issues can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Common Issues and Solutions

Food not crispy – Add a light oil, preheat properly, use higher temp
Overcooked food – Adjust time down, monitor cooking progress
Uneven cooking – Cut food same size, toss/flip during cooking
Basket won’t slide in – Ensure tray is fully inserted

Dealing with Smoke

A small amount of smoke is normal when air frying. To minimize:

Avoid excess oil buildup in fryer
Cut dripping fatty foods before cooking
Lower temperature and cook meat in two stages

Noise Levels

The Emeril Air Fryer has a powerful fan so some noise is expected. Troubleshooting tips:

Ensure all parts are properly assembled
Don’t operate empty or with unsecured accessories
Contact support if noise is excessive

Preheating the Air Fryer

If fryer won’t preheat:

Confirm vent areas are not blocked
Reset by unplugging and restarting
Contact support if issue persists after resets

Customer Support Resources

Call the customer support line at 1-888-utilities-us for troubleshooting help
Check the product manual for technical guidance
Search the Emeril Air Fryer FAQ on the company’s website

8. Emeril Air Fryer vs. Other Brands

How does the Emeril Air Fryer compare to other major air fryer brands like Philips, Ninja, Cosori, Instant Pot, and NuWave? Here’s an overview:

Comparing Features and Specifications

Brand	Capacity	Temperature Range	Power Levels	Smart Programs
Emeril	Up to 8 qt	175°F – 400°F	Digital	Yes
Philips	Up to 5 qt	175°F – 400°F	Digital	Yes
Ninja	Up to 8 qt	105°F – 400°F	Digital	Yes
Cosori	Up to 5 qt	170°F – 400°F	Digital	Yes
Instant Pot	6 qt	175°F – 400°F	Dial	Minimal
NuWave	Up to 26 qt	100°F – 400°F	Analog	No

The Emeril Air Fryer is on par with top brands in terms of capacity, temperature range, and presets. The XL model offers one of the largest capacities available.

Price Differences

Emeril air fryers are competitively priced from $99-$249 depending on size and features. This is comparable to leading brands with similar specifications and capacity.

Performance and Cooking Results

In tests, the Emeril Air Fryer performed on par with top competitors in terms of achieving crispy “fried” texture with minimal oil. All are capable of producing delicious results across a variety of recipes.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Emeril Air Fryer earns consistently positive reviews and 4+ star ratings on average from verified buyers. Customers praise the fryer’s value, performance, and ease of use. Issues with durability are less common for this brand.

Pros and Cons

Pros: reputable brand, affordable pricing, high capacity models, presets, rotisserie options, quality construction.

Cons: less smart features than some brands, limited to 60 minute timer in base models.

9. Baking in the Emeril Air Fryer

While the Emeril Air Fryer excels at crisping up fried items, it can also bake an impressive variety of foods. Here’s how to get great baking results:

Suitable Baked Goods

Cookies, biscuits, scones
Fruit turnovers, hand pies
Whole cakes or cupcakes
Bread rolls, baguettes, flatbreads
Meatballs, fritters

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Most baked goods cook between 300°F and 350°F
Cookies take 6-12 minutes, while meats and breads may need 25+ minutes
Check items early and extend time if needed

Using Baking Accessories

Use the included rack to elevate items for air circulation
Cake and pizza pans fit nicely in fryer basket
Mist metal pans lightly with oil for easy release

Tips for Even Baking

Preheat fully before baking
Rotate items midway through cooking
Don’t overfill the fryer basket
Let items rest before handling after baking

Creative Baking Ideas

Get creative with cakes, macarons, banana bread, brownies, granola bars, and more. The possibilities are endless!

10. Emeril Air Fryer as a Microwave

While the Emeril Air Fryer cannot technically replace all functions of a microwave, it can be used to quickly reheat and cook food in a pinch.

Microwave Functionality

Use the reheat function to quickly warm up leftovers
Cook oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and other items at a lower temp
The air fryer will not boil water or melt butter like a microwave

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Reheat meals at 300°F for 4-6 minutes
Cook fresh or frozen vegetables at 375°F for 8-12 minutes
Heat up plates of food for 1-2 minutes at 300°F

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Air fryer doesn’t use radiation
Can crisp and brown foods better

Cons:

Slower than a microwave for some tasks
Can’t boil water or melt butter

Safety Considerations

Use oven mitts to remove hot containers
Avoid heating up straight oils or liquids
Don’t use for canned goods or sealed jars

Alternative Uses

The air fryer makes a great extra oven for:

Toasting bread or bagels
Crisping pizza leftovers
Warming tortillas or pitas
Making nachos

While not a full microwave replacement, the Emeril Air Fryer can be handy for many quick cooking tasks.

11. Using Aluminum Foil in the Emeril Air Fryer

Aluminum foil can be a useful cooking tool, but should be used carefully in the Emeril Air Fryer:

When to Use Aluminum Foil

Foil can help:

Shield delicate items from too much heat
Prevent excessive browning or burning
Facilitate even cooking of items layered or stacked

Safety Concerns

Improper use of foil may lead to:

Blocked airflow and poor cooking
Damage to heating element from contact
Melting and sticking foil residue

Tips for Using Foil

Use foil sparingly, avoid large sheets covering basket
Crumble foil into loose balls when shielding spots
Layer sheets between stacked items, don’t wrap entirely

Alternative Options

Instead of foil, use:

The protective ring accessory
Oven-safe dishes or baking pans
Silicone cups or muffin liners

Cooking Results

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12. Cooking Chicken in the Emeril Air Fryer

The Emeril Air Fryer allows you to make tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin easily.

Preparing the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with oil
Season with salt, pepper, herbs, or spice rubs
Cut larger pieces so they fit in fryer basket

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Boneless breasts – 350°F for 14-18 minutes
Boneless thighs – 375°F for 16-22 minutes
Chicken wings – 400°F for 12-15 minutes

Seasoning Options

Lemon pepper
Cajun seasoning
Jerk or barbecue dry rub
Italian herb blend
Chili lime seasoning

Tips for Juicy Chicken

Brine chicken first for added moisture
Spray with oil or broth midway through cooking
Don’t overcook – use a meat thermometer

Cooking Whole Chickens and Parts

Roast small Cornish hens whole at 375°F for 30-40 minutes
Cook chicken quarters at 400°F for 20-25 minutes
Rotisserie larger whole chickens slowly on low

13. Cooking Steak in the Emeril Air Fryer

The high heat of the Emeril Air Fryer can produce steaks with a nice crusty exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

Preparing the Steak

Pat steaks dry thoroughly before cooking
Lightly coat with oil on both sides
Season simply with salt and pepper or use a rub
Allow thicker steaks to sit out for 30 minutes before cooking

Cooking Times and Temperatures

1-inch strip, ribeye, or filet – 400°F for 7-10 minutes
Flank or skirt steak – 400°F for 8-12 minutes
Turn steaks halfway through cooking time

Seasoning Options

Cajun blackening spice
Chili lime dry rub
Rosemary garlic oil
Montreal steak seasoning
Spicy chipotle blend

Tips for a Perfect Steak

Preheat air fryer fully before adding steaks
Use a meat thermometer for your desired doneness
Let steaks rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices

Cooking Different Cuts of Steak

The air fryer works well for thinner cuts like skirt or flank steak. Thick ribeyes may be better seared on the stovetop first.

14. Cooking Rotisserie Chicken in the Emeril Air Fryer

The rotisserie function on select Emeril Air Fryer models allows you to make tender, flavorful rotisserie chicken at home.

Preparing the Chicken

Pat dry chicken and coat all over with oil
Truss chicken for stability during rotisserie
Season chicken under skin and on surface as desired
Skewer chicken securely onto rotisserie rod

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Whole chickens (3-5 lbs) at 350°F for 50-70 minutes
Cook 15-20 minutes per pound, checking internal temp

Seasoning Options

Lemon garlic herbs
Chili lime rub
Jerk seasoning
Cajun spice blend
Italian herb mix

Tips for a Juicy Rotisserie Chicken

Inject chicken with broth or marinate overnight
Baste chicken with pan drippings
Cook low and slow, avoid high heat

Carving and Serving

Let chicken rest 10 minutes before carving
Carve chicken into quarters, legs, wings, and breast meat
Serve with pan juices for added flavor

15. Emeril 360 XL Features

The Emeril 360 XL Air Fryer offers a larger capacity and bonus features that home cooks will appreciate.

Size and Capacity

8-quart basket capacity
Can accommodate a 5-pound chicken or 6 chicken breasts
Holds up to 2 pounds of fries or wings

Cooking Modes and Presets

Air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate, rotisserie
Pizza, chicken, fish, and dessert presets

Accessories and Attachments

Comes with crisper tray, pizza rack, rotisserie spit and forks
Additional Emeril-branded accessories available

Price and Where to Buy

MSRP $249.99
Available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy

Customer Reviews

4 out of 5 stars average rating from 500+ reviews
Praised for large capacity, versatility, and performance

The XL model expands the possibilities of the Emeril Air Fryer line with extra size and functions.

16. Cleaning the Emeril Air Fryer

To keep your Emeril Air Fryer running in top condition, follow these cleaning best practices:

Cleaning the Exterior

Wipe outer surfaces with a soft cloth and mild detergent
Avoid abrasive scouring pads or cleaners

Cleaning the Interior

Remove basket, tray, and accessories
Wash removable parts in hot soapy water
Clean inside fryer drawer with non-abrasive sponge

Removing Baked-On Grease

For stubborn grease, soak parts in warm water and dish soap first
Bar Keepers Friend cleaner can help tackle stuck-on grime

Cleaning Accessories and Attachments

Rotisserie spit and forks should be hand washed
Other accessories can go in the dishwasher

Tips for Maintaining the Air Fryer

Empty grease tray after each use
Don’t submerge base in water
Dry all parts fully before re-assembling

Regular cleaning keeps the Emeril Air Fryer running smoothly for years.

17. Preheating the Emeril Air Fryer

Preheating is an important step to ensure even cooking results. Here are tips for preheating your Emeril Air Fryer:

When to Preheat

Preheat for:

French fries, chicken wings, fried foods
Baking cakes, cookies, breads
Pizza, lasagna, or dishes with cheese

Preheating Times and Temperatures

Most foods: 5 minutes at cooking temp
Breads: 10 minutes at baking temp
Large roasts or whole chickens: 10-15 minutes

How to Preheat

Select cooking temperature
Allow to preheat empty with basket in place
Add food once beeps signal preheating is complete

Benefits of Preheating

Food cooks faster, reducing overall cook time
Interior and exterior cook evenly
Food develops crisper crust or texture

Tips for Even Cooking

Don’t overcrowd food during cooking
Open air fryer drawer midway to flip or rotate food
Add a few extra minutes to cooking time if needed

Preheating the Emeril Air Fryer takes just minutes but makes a big difference in your final results.

18. Using Magic Eraser on the Emeril Air Fryer

Magic Erasers are mildly abrasive cleaning sponges that can tackle some air fryer messes. However, use with caution on the Emeril Air Fryer’s surfaces.

When to Use a Magic Eraser

Magic Erasers can help remove:

Grease buildup on crisper tray
Stubborn baked-on food debris
Stains on interior fryer drawer

Safety Concerns

Can scratch or damage appliance surfaces
Should not be used on heating elements
Can wear down non-stick coating over time

Tips for Using a Magic Eraser

Spot clean only very dirty areas
Use gentle pressure and minimal rubbing
Rinse surface after cleaning eraser residue

Alternative Cleaning Options

Instead of Magic Erasers try:

Baking soda and dish soap paste
Vinegar, lemon juice, or citrus degreasers
Dishwasher cleaning the removable parts

Magic Erasers can be useful for occasional stubborn grease but shouldn’t replace regular cleaning methods.

19. Emeril Air Fryer Maintenance

Doing regular maintenance keeps your Emeril Air Fryer working efficiently for years.

Regular Cleaning

Wipe out grease drawer after each use
Wash all accessories thoroughly after cooking
Deep clean interior and parts 1-2 times per month

Checking for Wear and Tear

Inspect cooking basket for warping or damage
Ensure touchscreen and buttons function properly
Check that heating element is in good condition

Replacing Parts and Accessories

Order genuine replacement parts through the manufacturer
Crisper tray, rotisserie spit, and basket may need replacing over time

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Refer to troubleshooting tips in manual
Test different electrical outlets if appliance won’t turn on
Contact customer service for diagnosis if needed

Tips for Extending Lifespan

Avoid overfilling cooking basket
Don’t immerse base in water or cleaning solutions
Store air fryer with basket removed to retain spring function

Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to getting the most out of your Emeril Air Fryer.

20. Best Practices for Cleaning Inside the Emeril Air Fryer

Thorough, regular cleaning of the interior parts is essential for good performance and longevity.

Cleaning Tools and Materials

Dish soap, baking soda, vinegar
Soft non-abrasive sponges and cloths
Small non-metal brush for hard-to-reach spots

Cleaning the Heating Element

Gently wipe heating element to remove debris
Avoid soaking or submerging heating element

Removing Food Debris

Empty grease drawer after each use
Soak stuck-on food debris before scrubbing
Dislodge crumbs from crevices with brush

Tips for a Thorough Cleaning

Take apart all removable parts
Hand wash certain accessories instead of dishwasher
Dry all parts fully before reassembling

Maintaining a Clean Air Fryer

Wipe out grease drawer frequently
Clean thoroughly after cooking heavily greasy foods
Schedule a deep clean monthly

Following these best practices will keep the inside of your Emeril Air Fryer sparkling clean.