Cannabis Oil In An Air Fryer: A Quick, Easy Guide

Making cannabis oil at home is easy if you know a few tricks. In addition to its recreational uses, canna oil has several therapeutic uses, including temporary mood boosting and improving cardiovascular efficiency. In this article, we will discuss how to make cannabis oil in an air fryer.

Decarboxylate the cannabis

Decarboxylation is a necessary step in the process of making cannabis oil in an air fryer. It involves activating the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the cannabis plant by removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is crucial as it converts the non-psychoactive compound THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC, making the cannabis psychoactive. Additionally, it increases the bioavailability of CBD, another key cannabinoid.

To decarboxylate cannabis in an air fryer, start by grinding and destemming the cannabis flowers. Place the ground cannabis in an oven-safe dish or create a foil pouch and cover it tightly with foil. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow air circulation. Set the air fryer to a temperature of 240-250°F (115-120°C) and heat the cannabis for 20 to 30-minute cycles, mixing or shaking the container between cycles to ensure even heating. The total decarboxylation time should be around one hour.

It is important to monitor the temperature during the process, as overheating can burn the cannabis, resulting in an unpleasant taste and a reduction in THC content. Additionally, the release of CO2 during decarboxylation can cause the foil pouch to inflate, so ensure it is sealed properly before heating.

Once the decarboxylation process is complete, the cannabis will appear darker in colour, usually light brown or yellow, and will be ready for the next step in the oil-infusion process.

Decarboxylation is a crucial step in maximizing the potency and effectiveness of cannabis oil. By converting THCA to THC and increasing the bioavailability of CBD, the psychoactive and therapeutic effects of the final product are enhanced.

Combine with butter or oil

Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it's time to infuse it with butter or oil. This process involves heating the cannabis with butter or oil, allowing the cannabinoids to infuse into the fat. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Oven-safe dish preparation: Place your ground or broken-up cannabis in an oven-safe dish. You can use a mason jar, a heat-safe glass dish, or an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer.
• Add butter or oil: For butter, use unsalted or salted butter depending on your preference and intended use. For oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil are popular choices. You can also add soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin to help with binding and increasing the bioavailability of cannabinoids.
• Cover and heat: Cover the dish tightly with foil. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow air circulation. Place the dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 240-250°F (115-121°C). Heat for 2-30 minute cycles, for a total of 1-2 hours, mixing the ingredients between cycles.
• Infusion: After the initial heating cycles, add the butter or oil to the dish with the activated cannabis. Replace the foil cover and heat for another cycle at 240-250°F for 40 minutes.
• Monitor temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature, and lower it if the oil exceeds 220°F (104°C). You can also remove the foil cover for the final cycle to help monitor the temperature.
• Cooling and straining: After the infusion cycles, remove the dish from the air fryer and allow it to cool. When it's manageable, strain the mixture through a fine mesh filter or a cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
• Moulding and storage: Pour the strained mixture into moulds or containers and chill until ready to use. Store your cannabis-infused butter or oil in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it.

Note: It's important to maintain temperatures below 245°F (118°C) to avoid burning or degrading the cannabinoids.

Heat in the air fryer

To make cannabis-infused oil in an air fryer, you will need to decarboxylate the cannabis first. This process involves activating the psychoactive compound THC by removing a carbon atom from its carbon chain, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide.

• Preheat your air fryer to 250°F.
• Finely grind your cannabis flowers, removing any stems.
• Place the ground cannabis in an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil, poking a few holes in the foil to allow air circulation.
• Put the dish in the air fryer and heat for 2-30 minute cycles, totalling 1 hour. Be sure to mix the cannabis between cycles to ensure even heating.
• After the first heating cycle, you may need to replace the foil if it is damaged or excessively crispy, ensuring it seals properly before proceeding.
• For the final cycle, increase the time to 40 minutes.

Infusing the Oil

• After decarbing, add your chosen oil or butter to the dish, ensuring it is fully mixed with the activated cannabis.
• Cover the dish again with foil and heat for another cycle at 250°F for 40 minutes.
• Remove the foil cover and return the dish to the air fryer for 2 more cycles at 250°F for 40 minutes each.
• Monitor the temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot, and adjust if necessary. The oil itself should not exceed 220°F.

This process will allow you to decarboxylate your cannabis and infuse your oil simultaneously in the air fryer.

Cool and strain

After the cannabis has been activated and infused with the oil or butter, it's time to cool and strain the mixture. This process is crucial to ensure the final product is smooth and free of plant material.

First, remove the oven-safe dish from the air fryer and allow it to cool. The cooling process can take some time, depending on the amount of mixture you have prepared. Be patient and let it cool until it is safe to handle.

Once the mixture is at a manageable temperature, it's time to strain it. Use a fine mesh filter or a cheesecloth to carefully strain the oil or butter. This step will help remove any plant fragments, ensuring a smooth and pleasant texture for your final product.

The straining process is important not only for the texture but also for the taste. Even after cooling, the plant material can contribute to an unpleasant taste in your oil or butter. By straining it, you reduce the chance of any bitter or grassy notes in your final product.

It is important to note that the cooling and straining process should be done carefully and slowly. Do not rush these steps, as they are crucial for the overall quality of your cannabis-infused oil or butter. Take your time to ensure a smooth, pleasant-tasting final product.

Store in a container

Once you've made your cannabis-infused oil, it's important to store it correctly to maintain its potency and flavour. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your cannabis oil:

Firstly, it's important to let your oil cool down to room temperature. This is a crucial step as it ensures that your oil is safely stored and ready for use. Place the oil in a cool, dry place and leave it undisturbed until it reaches room temperature. This may take a few hours, depending on the amount of oil you've made.

Next, you'll want to transfer the oil to a suitable container. It is recommended to use an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the jar is clean and dry before pouring in the oil. You can also use a container with a secure lid, such as a silicone jar or a bottle with a dropper, which is ideal for dispensing the oil.

Label your container clearly. This is especially important if you have multiple containers of different oils or if you live with others. Include the date of creation, the type of oil, and any other relevant information, such as the strain of cannabis used or the potency. This will help you keep track of your oils and ensure safe usage.

Store your cannabis oil in a cool, dark place, preferably in a cupboard or pantry. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can degrade the quality of the oil over time. The ideal storage temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your indoor environment is consistently above this temperature, consider storing the oil in the refrigerator.

Your cannabis-infused oil should retain its potency and flavour for about 1 to 1.5 years when stored correctly. Check the oil occasionally to ensure it hasn't spoiled. Spoiled oil may exhibit changes in colour, texture, or smell, and it's important not to consume it if you notice any of these alterations.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cannabis-infused oil is stored safely and effectively, ready for when you need to use it.

Frequently asked questions