Friction stir processing is a novel material processing technique. In this study, neural network–based genetic optimization is applied to optimize the process performance in terms of post-friction stir processing mechanical properties of Al7075 alloy and the energy cost. At first, the experimental data regarding the properties (i.e. elongation, tensile strength and hardness) and the consumed electrical energy are obtained by conducting tests varying two process parameters, namely, feed rate and spindle speed. Then, a numerical model making use of empirical data and artificial neural networks is developed, and multiobjective multivariable genetic optimization is applied to find a trade-off among the performance measures of friction stir processing. For this purpose, the properties like elongation, tensile strength and hardness are maximized and the cost of consumed electrical energy is minimized. Finally, the optimization results are verified by conducting experiments. It is concluded that artificial neural network together with genetic algorithm can be successfully employed to optimize the performance of friction stir processing.