This paper proposes an adaptive B-spline neurocontroller (B-SNN) for the optimal air supply into a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The B-SNN is proposed due to its simple structure, adaptability, and robustness, taking into account the PEMFC's nonlinearities. Furthermore, B-SNN has the capabilities of on-line learning and real time operation. The proposed neurocontroller is tested on a PEMFC hardware-in-loop (HIL) emulator. The FC emulator is based on a detailed nonlinear simulator taken from the open research. Real time results of the PEMFC system emulator and the neurocontroller obtained by the hardware-in-the-loop strategy are exhibited. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.