Freezing Avocados In 3 Easy Ways

Today we look at three fool-proof methods how to freeze avocados. They are all incredibly easy and will help prevent your ripe avos from spoiling completely. And, it’s a fantastic way to pre-portion diced avo for smoothies, milkshakes, and breakfast bowls!

Can You Freeze Avocados?

While it may not be an extremely popular practice, you can actually freeze avocado. It’s a fantastic way to preserve them (especially when they are already ripe), and a unique way to utilize them in different kinds of recipes. 

Usually, avocado is mostly served fresh. But you can actually use frozen avocado to make baked goods, smoothies, sorbet, ice cream, and much more!

More on that later though. For now, we’re asking the more important questions: “Can you freeze whole avocado?” and “Can you freeze avocado slices?”

This may shock you, but you can actually freeze whole avocado. There is no need to peel them, remove the pit, or cut them into smaller pieces. This makes the entire process much easier and hassle-free.

But, as with most frozen techniques, there are some essential steps that will help maintain the flavor and texture of the avo even after it has been thawed.

Next up, can you freeze avocado chunks and slices? To both of these questions, the answer is yes! And, you can freeze pureed avocado as well as mashed avocado (like guacamole).

Now that you know you can safely freeze avo, let’s take a look at how to freeze avocados and all their cuts.

How To Freeze Avocados

First, I have to say that there are “better” ways to freeze avocados. Some cuts and forms just work better than others.

Why? Well, that’s because the texture and consistency of avocado change when it is frozen and thawed. Usually, it gets softer and often more watery. 

So, if you’re expecting to use frozen avocado like you would fresh, think again. But, you can use already mashed and thawed avo to make guacamole. And, you can use pre-portioned avocado chunks or slices in a smoothie to make your prep much easier.

At the end of the day, you can still freeze avo in whichever way, shape, or form suits your needs.

Method 1: Freezing Whole Avocado

As I’ve mentioned, it is entirely possible to freeze a whole avocado with its skin intact. The only downside is that once it is thawed, working with it is a little bit messy due to the soft texture.

Nevertheless, it’s possible!

All you need to do is wrap the whole avocado in a couple of layers of aluminum foil. This protects the flesh from excessive freezer burn which will further ruin the texture and flavor of the fruit.

You can just place them in the freezer without the foil covering. But again, it doesn’t preserve the avocado as well.

Don’t forget to label the avo with the date you froze it. This way, you know which ones you should use first.

Method 2: Slices And Cubes

The methods for both of these cuts are pretty much the same.

To start, you will obviously need to peel the avocado and remove the pit. If you don’t know how to do that, take a look at this guide.

Place the chunks, cubes, or slices on parchment-lined baking paper. Try to get the pieces in one layer. 

Drizzle the avo with some lemon juice. This will help preserve their color and flavor. 

Then, place the tray of avo inside the freezer and leave it for a couple of hours. 

Only when all of the pieces are completely frozen should you place them in a bag or container. Make sure the bag and container are freezer-safe.

Again, you can wrap the bag and container in a layer of foil, which will help protect the avo from excess freezer burn.

Method 3: Mashed

The final method I’m discussing today is mashed avocado. Now, this can be raw mashed avo or seasoned mashed avo. Either way, the process stays the same.

This is the best form to freeze avocado in because the texture is already “mushy.” You don’t have to struggle to make mash after it has been thawed.

First, you need to peel the fruit and remove the pit. Then, mash the avocado to your liking. Again, add some lemon juice and mix it in well. You may need to use slightly more lemon juice here than for the slices.

Once you have the mash, place it inside a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. If you use a container, you need to add a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface (top) of the mash. This will prevent the top layer from instantly being exposed to freezer burn and drying out more than the rest of the batch.

Once your container or bag is prepped, again, wrap it with foil. Then, freeze it for a couple of months.

What To Do With Frozen Avocados

So, you’ve successfully frozen your fresh avocado, now what? Well, you can either thaw the avo or use it while it is still frozen.

If you plan on using it while it’s still frozen, it’s best to either use mash, chunks, or slices. It is extremely difficult preparing and cutting whole frozen avo. And honestly, it’s even a little dangerous. Avoid it if you can.

But, if you’ve already prepared the avocado before freezing it, great!

You can use frozen slices and cubes in fruit salads, as garnishes for ice cream or smoothies, and even inside blended desserts.

I love cutting my ripe avocadoes into cubes and dividing them into 1-cup portions. So, if I need to make a smoothie that calls for 1 cup of avocado, it’s already prepped! 

You can also blend frozen avocado for puree that is used in baked goods or to make popsicles. There really is no end to their uses. Just don’t use them instead of fresh avocado.

You can use frozen avocado to make many of the recipes on my website, including these Baked Eggs In Half Avocados and my famous Spongebob’s Kelp Smoothie.

How To Thaw Avocado

To thaw any type of avocado is easy. Simply place the container or whole avo inside a tray. Place that tray in the fridge and leave the avocado to slowly thaw.

This technique retains the best texture and flavor.

If you are in a rush, you can always leave it out at room temperature. It will still take a couple of hours though.

You have to use thawed avocados on the day you defrosted them.

FAQs