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.

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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

BrandCapacityTemperature RangePower LevelsSmart Programs
EmerilUp to 8 qt175°F – 400°FDigitalYes
PhilipsUp to 5 qt175°F – 400°FDigitalYes
NinjaUp to 8 qt105°F – 400°FDigitalYes
CosoriUp to 5 qt170°F – 400°FDigitalYes
Instant Pot6 qt175°F – 400°FDialMinimal
NuWaveUp to 26 qt100°F – 400°FAnalogNo

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
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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
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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.

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