Best Settings (AI,Printer,Mac) to Print Labels - Mac Monterey + AI + HP Color Laserjet MFP M283cdw

Hello Apple Community! I'm struggling to get out of "trial and error" + "wasted resources" mode - I'm trying to print product labels (avg size - 5x3 inches on estate 4 label sheets) using:

• • Mac Pro 2019 - OS Monterey 12.3.1
  • Adobe Illustrator 2022 - AI files ar 300ppi and CMYK color mode
  • HP Color LaserJet MFP M283cdw
  • HP Model Support Page
    • https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m282-m285-multifunction-printer-series/29448786/model/29448713

The printer seems to make high quality images - but the colors are often wrong and sometimes the images are crisper with certain boxes checked. Looking for advice on best practice printing.

• • Should I export to PDF and print those instead? Most of my native AI printing has so far looked better.
  • How to control for color? Have AI control it or printer?
  • Is there a printer language I should be using? postscript? how to set that up if there is?

I know it's a pretty specific combination, but what would "best practices" be to set up for optimum print results? Thanks!!!!!!!!