How to Freeze Avocados

Never throw out an avocado again! Learn how to freeze avocados with these tips and help them last longer and reduce waste. Add frozen avocado pieces into your smoothies or thaw for avocado toast or guacamole. 

Now and then, I come across a freezing tip that’s quite life-changing – freezing avocados is one of them!

Frozen fruits and vegetables is a great way to stock up and save money. I’ve shared how to freeze spinach, freeze strawberries, freeze cherries, freeze blueberries, freeze bananas, and freezing apples. 

I am embarrassed when I think about the number of avocados I’ve thrown out. Is it just me, or does an avocado go from ripe to rotten in minutes? Okay, maybe not that fast, but it sure feels that way.

Never again will I throw out avocados.

Today, I’m going to show you how to freeze avocados.

Reasons you’ll love freezing avocado.

• Reduce waste. Instead of throwing out an overripe avocado, freeze it instead.
• Save money. Stock up on avocados when they’re on sale or buy in bulk. 
• Have healthy avocados ready for recipes. Open your freezer instead of going to the store every time you want avocado toast.

Ingredients

How to Freeze Avocados

Start with ripe avocado.

Avocado won’t ripen after it’s frozen, so start with ripe avocado. The best way to decide whether an avocado is ripe or not is to hold and inspect it. 

If it’s ripe, then:

1. The skin color will be dark green, almost black. 
2. The skin will have give to it when you gently squeeze the avocado.
3. The skin will be bumpy.

Ripe avocados have a creamy texture and work best in recipes.

Freeze the Avocado Whole

This is the easiest way to freeze avocados if you’re looking for simplicity.

Wash the skin, and then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze. Remove the avocado from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Truthfully, this is my least favorite way to freeze avocado. I prefer the other methods because this makes the avocados ready to use in smoothies or other recipes without extra work.

Freeze Avocado Into Chunks or Slices

In this method, cut the fresh avocado in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the pit. Then cut the avocado halves into slices or chunks and carefully peel the skin off.

You can also remove the skin before cutting or slicing, but I find it easier to do this afterward.

Place the avocado slices on a plate, tray or baking sheet on top of parchment paper and squeeze lemon juice or lime juice on them. The acidity from the juice helps to prevent browning.

Put the plate of avocado slices into the freezer for an hour or so – this is called flash freezing, Then place the frozen avocado into freezer bags and freeze.

Mash the Avocados and Freeze

My favorite way to freeze avocado is to mash and freeze! 

• Removing the avocado from the skin.
• Discard the pit. 
• Place the avocado flesh into a bowl.
• Use a fork or masher, and mash the avocado until you get the consistency you want.
• Squirt and stir in a little lemon juice or lime juice; this helps prevent browning.

You can also use a food processor for an avocado puree. If you’re going to make pureed avocado baby food, then this is the processing method I’d recommend.

Squirt in lemon or lime juice so the avocado doesn’t turn brown. This also adds a fresh flavor. Then portion out into Ziploc bags or containers. 

My favorite way to freeze mashed avocado is using two tablespoons portions silicone trays – like this one from Souper cubes. This tray allows you to freeze avocados into the perfect amount for avocado toast or smoothies. You can also use an ice cube tray to freeze portions of avocado.

How to thaw frozen avocados

Frozen avocado will not look as good as fresh avocado slices or chunks. So, it’s not ideal for salads. However, it’s still tasty, nutritious, and can be used in other recipes. 

• To thaw frozen avocado, take out the amount needed and place it in an airtight container to thaw overnight in the fridge. 
• The avocado might brown a little bit as it thaws, but don’t worry; it’ll look green and work just fine after you mix it up or use it with other ingredients. I use this method when making guacamole, salad dressing, or in tacos or burritos.
• You can also place it in a plastic bag and submerge in a bowl of cold water. This method takes around 30 minutes or so to thaw.
• You can also thaw in the microwave. I’ll put the mashed avocado or slices in the microwave and heat for 25 – 60 seconds or until thawed but still cold. After I mix it up, it becomes the perfect temperature. I use this method when making avocado toast or using it in a recipe like brownies.
• You don’t need to thaw avocado when using it in smoothie recipes. Just toss in a few slices or ¼ cup of mashed avocado and blend.

What can you do with frozen avocado?

I think the question is, “what can’t you do with frozen avocado.” Any recipe that calls for fresh avocado can use frozen. Of course, unless you’re making smoothies, you will need to thaw it first.

Here are recipes and ideas for using frozen avocado:

• Avocado toast
• Chickpea Avocado Mash
• Avocado Smoothies or toss into any smoothie recipe for extra protein, fiber, and good fats. Like in this Strawberry Banana Avocado Smoothie.
• Salad dressings
• Sandwich spreads
• Avocado hummus
• Avocado chocolate pudding
• Avocado ice cream
• In burritos or tacos
• Swap for mayo in this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad or Avocado Tuna Salad.
• Use it in brownies

FAQs