Make Canna Butter In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Making cannabutter in an air fryer is a great way to infuse butter with cannabis. The process is simple and the results are potent and flavourful. All you need is ground cannabis flower, butter, an oven-safe dish, and an air fryer. The first step is to decarboxylate the cannabis by heating it in the air fryer for around an hour at 250° F. Then, you add the butter and heat it for another hour or so. Finally, strain the mixture and chill it in the fridge. The whole process takes around three hours, but it's worth the wait for the potent results!

Decarboxylation

To decarboxylate cannabis for use in edibles like canna butter, you can use an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and set a cook time of 60 minutes.
• Use your fingers to break up the cannabis plant material of your choice to a medium-small consistency. Spread the cannabis in a thin layer in an oven-safe baking dish that will fit inside the basket of your air fryer.
• Cover the baking dish with foil, poking tiny holes throughout to release air during the decarboxylation process.
• Place the entire dish inside your air fryer basket.
• Cook for a total of 60 minutes, stopping halfway at 30 minutes to mix your cannabis and ensure even cooking.
• Once your cannabis has reached a golden brown colour, carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• When your cannabis is cool to the touch, your decarboxylation process is complete!

It is important to note that decarboxylation must take place under specific conditions, with two key variables in mind: heat and time. The temperature range for proper decarboxylation is between 220-250 degrees Fahrenheit, but the optimal temperature may vary slightly depending on the specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles of your cannabis. To preserve terpenes, which are responsible for the smell of cannabis and can amplify the medicinal and psychoactive effects, use the lowest temperatures possible during decarboxylation.

Infusion

Firstly, you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This is a crucial step to activate the THC in the cannabis, which will make your canna butter potent. Grind your cannabis and place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil, ensuring that it is sealed properly. Use a toothpick or similar tool to poke several small holes in the foil to allow airflow. Place the dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 250°F (some sources suggest a range of 245-250°F). The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of browning, but generally, it should take around 30 minutes for each cycle, with a total cooking time of about 1 hour. It is recommended to mix the cannabis between cycles to ensure even heating.

Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, it's time to add the butter. For this step, you will need unsalted butter, with the amount depending on your desired potency. Place the butter in the oven-safe dish with the decarboxylated cannabis. You can also add soy lecithin, which is optional but may enhance the effects of the canna butter. Re-cover the dish with foil and place it back in the air fryer. The settings may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but generally, you should heat for another cycle of about 40 minutes at 250°F.

After this cycle, remove the foil cover and return the dish to the air fryer for two more cycles of 40 minutes each at 250°F. Monitor the temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot, and lower the temperature if the butter starts to smoke or if the oil temperature exceeds 220°F.

At this point, your infusion process is complete. Allow the mixture to cool down before straining it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove any plant material. Your canna butter is now ready to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to use it in your desired recipes.

Remember, the infusion process is a slow and gradual one, but it ensures a potent and flavourful canna butter. Always be cautious with dosage and start with a small amount in your recipes, gradually increasing it according to your desired potency. Enjoy your homemade canna butter responsibly!

Cooling and straining

Once you've mixed your cannabutter ingredients and cooked them in the air fryer, it's time to let the mixture cool down. After 2 hours (3-40 minute cycles), remove the mixture from the oven and let it cool off. When it's cool enough to handle, it's time to strain the cannabutter.

Straining the cannabutter is an important step to ensure a smooth and pure final product. To do this, you'll need a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and a clean jar or container. Place the strainer over the jar or container and carefully pour the cannabutter mixture through the strainer. Press the cannabis to extract as much liquid as possible. This process can be repeated if needed—if the first round of straining doesn't remove all the green plant material, simply strain the butter again.

Once the cannabutter has been strained, it's ready to be stored. Pour the strained butter into a container and place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored cannabutter will last just as long as regular butter in the fridge, but it can also be frozen for longer-term storage. In the fridge, cannabutter will stay fresh for a few weeks, while in the freezer, it can be stored for several months.

Moulding and chilling

Once you've strained your canna butter, it's time to mould and chill it. Pour the liquid into moulds and keep them chilled until you're ready to use the butter. You can keep it in the fridge, just like regular butter, but it will last even longer if you keep it in the freezer. In the fridge, it will stay fresh for a few weeks, but in the freezer, it can last for several months.

If you're making several different types of canna butter, be sure to label each one accordingly. Indicate whether the butter is salted or unsalted, depending on your intended use. For example, if you plan to use your canna butter for baking, you'll probably want to use unsalted butter. If you're using it as a garnish, you may prefer salted butter.

Remember to always store your canna butter in an airtight container. Freezer bags with a zip lock are a good option, and you can even double bag them for extra protection. Mason jars are another excellent choice for storing your canna butter, keeping it fresh and potent for months.

Storage

Storing your canna butter correctly is essential to preserving its freshness and potency. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade canna butter:

Refrigeration

It is recommended to store your canna butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and potency. Label the container to avoid any accidental consumption by others, especially if you have children or pets in the household. When stored properly, your canna butter can last for a few weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezer Storage

If you want to extend the shelf life of your canna butter, consider storing it in the freezer. Place the canna butter in an appropriate container, such as a freezer bag with a zip lock, and freeze it. You can even double bag it for extra protection. When frozen, your canna butter can last for several months. It will retain its potency and be just as effective when you are ready to use it.

Container Options

The best containers to use for storing canna butter are airtight and made of glass or food-grade plastic. Mason jars are an excellent option for storing canna butter, as they create an airtight seal and are easy to label. Avoid using containers made of materials that can leach chemicals or affect the quality of your canna butter.

Light and Heat Considerations

When storing your canna butter, keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Light and heat can degrade the THC content over time, reducing the potency of your canna butter. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or basement, if you are not keeping it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Portioning and Labelling

Before storing your canna butter, consider portioning it into smaller containers or bags. This way, you can easily take out a pre-measured amount when needed without exposing the entire batch to room temperature. Label each container with the date of preparation and the potency, especially if you experiment with different concentrations. This will help you keep track of the strength and freshness of your canna butter.

Frequently asked questions