How to Freeze Avocados (4 Ways to Keep Them Fresh Longer!)

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Do you have extra avocados and want to save them for later? Good news – you can freeze avocados! Whether you’re preserving whole avocados, slices, mashed avocado, or even guacamole, freezing is an easy way to reduce waste and always have avocados on hand for smoothies, guacamole, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about how to freeze avocados properly to keep them fresh and delicious!

Avocado that has been sliced, cubed and mashed to freeze

Can You Freeze Avocados?

Yes! Freezing avocados helps extend their shelf life and prevents food waste. While the texture may change slightly once thawed, frozen avocados are perfect for recipes like smoothies, dips, and spreads. By following the right freezing methods, you can prevent browning and keep the flavor intact.

Best Methods to Freeze Avocados

1. Freezing Avocados Whole

Freezing whole avocados is the easiest method for when you’re short on time.

Wash and dry the avocado thoroughly.
Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap.
Place each piece of fruit into a Ziploc freezer bag and seal tight.
Label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimum freshness.

2. Freezing Avocado Halves

This method makes it easy to use avocados later for recipes.

Wash and dry the avocado.
Cut in half and peel (no need to remove the pit).
Sprinkle lemon juice on each half.
Wrap each avocado half in plastic wrap.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months.

3. Freezing Avocado Slices

Perfect for adding to smoothies!

Wash and peel the avocado.
Cut in half and remove pit.
Slice the avocado into even pieces.
Brush with lemon or lime juice.
Lay slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store up to 4 months.

4. Freezing Mashed Avocado

The best method for guacamole, dips, and spreads.

Wash, peel, and remove pit.
Mash the avocado until smooth.
Mix in lemon or lime juice.
Store in individual freezer safe containers of bags. You can also freeze smaller portions in ice cube trays if you just need baby food portions.
Freeze up to 4 months.

Mashed avocado in a container to be frozen

Tips for Freezing

Use ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe. If they are still hard and green or they won’t be soft enough even after they thaw.
Always add lemon or lime juice: Get a cheap spray bottle from The Dollar Store and fill with lemon juice. Then, you can spray the slices evenly with lemon juice before freezing so they don’t brown.
Freeze before bagging: Spread slices or cubes of avocado on a baking sheet or tray and freeze slightly before adding them to a freezer bag.
Use airtight containers: Make sure to use airtight containers or Ziplock bags when storing avocado in the freezer.
Vacuum Seal (Optional): If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove excess air from the storage bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Keep avocados at consistent freezing temperature.

How to Thaw and Use Frozen Avocados

Thaw & Use Right Away: Avocado may brown after thawing. Use right away or toss with lemon or lime juice before using.
Thawing: To thaw, place in a bowl of cold water for about thirty minutes or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Make Guacamole: You can make guacamole and freeze it too! Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Use in Recipes: Remember, the texture of avocados may change slightly after freezing, but their flavor remains intact, making them a convenient addition to various dishes, especially those that involve blending or mashing.

Avocado on a baking sheet ready to freeze

Pros and Cons to Freezing Avocados

Pros:

Avocados are a terrific source of nutrients for your family.
Freezing avocado in cubes allows you to salvage all your ripe fruit to use for later.
Frozen avocado chunks are perfect to throw into smoothies, make salad dressings, or spreading on sandwiches, burritos, or tacos.
A scoop of mashed avocado makes perfect baby food or guacamole.

Cons:

Avocados contain a lot of water, causing ice crystals to form. This can cause thawed avocado to be a little mushy.
Freezing can take away the avocado’s signature creamy texture, so you may want to opt for fresh avocado for slicing on salad or avocado toast.

Common Questions About Freezing Avocados

Do avocados taste good after being frozen?

Yes, but freezing avocados does alter the texture, so it is preferable to use frozen avocados for smoothies, guacamole, and other recipes where they will be mashed and mixed with other ingredients.

Will avocados turn brown if frozen?

If prepared with lemon or lime juice and wrapped properly, mashed avocados won’t turn brown when they are frozen. However, if the avocado is frozen whole with the skin on, the green color will become more brownish. It is still good to use in smoothies and recipes where it is mixed with other ingredients.

How long do frozen avocados last?

Frozen avocados can last 3 to 4 months in the freezer. For the best taste and texture, try to use them within this timeframe.

Should I thaw frozen avocados before using them?

It depends on the recipe. For smoothies, you can use them straight from the freezer. For dips and spreads, let them thaw in the refrigerator first.

Can I use frozen avocados for avocado toast?

Yes! While the texture may be slightly different from fresh, frozen avocado works great for toast when properly thawed and mixed. Add in some seasonings for flavor.

Best Ways to Use Frozen Avocados

Wondering how to use your frozen avocados? Here are some delicious ideas:

Smoothies: Add frozen avocado chunks for a creamy texture.
Guacamole: Thaw and mix with your favorite guacamole ingredients.
Spreads & Dips: Use mashed avocado for toast, sandwiches, or dips.
Dressings & Sauces: Blend thawed avocado into salad dressings or pasta sauces.

Recipes that Use Frozen Avocado

You can make many different avocado recipes using avocado that has been frozen! Try a few of our favorites!

Final Thoughts

Freezing avocados is a great way to save avocados you purchased on sale or that are ripening before you can use them. Whether you freeze them whole, halved, sliced, or mashed, these simple steps will keep them fresh and flavorful. Give it a try and let us know in the comments – what’s your favorite way to use frozen avocados?