How to Cut an Avocado (Quick & Easy!)
Learning how to cut an avocado is a crucial skill that's super quick and easy to do, once you learn how to properly pit and peel it! With a few tips and tricks, you can also determine when an avocado is ripe, and how to best store it for later.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
Instructions
-
Slice the avocado lengthwise until you feel the knife hit the pit. Turn the avocado on its side and spin it while continuing to cut it in half with the knife.
-
Twist the two halves to separate them once the avocado is completely cut down the center.
-
Carefully hit the pit with your knife to remove it. Rotate the pit until it loosens and lift up.
-
Remove the pit from the knife by pressing on it from the unsharpened side with your thumb and pointer finger until it dislodges.
Classic Method
-
From this point you can either cut the avocado into slices or cubes by holding it in your hand or on a cutting board. (You'll want to be extremely careful if holding the avocado in your hand. If cutting this way, use a duller knife so your knife does not cut through the avocado's skin.)
-
For slices, use a knife to cut thin slices of avocado.
-
For cubes, cut slightly thicker strips, about ½-inch wide. Rotate the avocado 90-degrees and cut additional ½-inch wide slices.
-
Once your slices/cubes are done, simply scoop them out using a large spoon.
Alternative Method
-
Once the avocado is cut in half and the pit is removed, cut each halve in half lengthwise.
-
Remove and discard the skin from each quarter.
-
Place the avocado cut-side down on a cutting board and either thinly slice it or dice it.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Prep and Storage
- To Store: It’s best to use freshly sliced avocado immediately after cutting. However, unskinned halves can be wrapped in plastic wrap, gently pressed down to cover the exposed flesh, to prevent browning. It can be stored in the fridge like this for up to 2 days.
- To Freeze: Avocados can be frozen in slices, chunks, or as a puree, mixed or tossed with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. Place cut pieces on a wax paper-lined baking sheet, and freeze for up to 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. Like this, avocado can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
- To Reheat: Frozen avocado should be thawed in the fridge or at room temperature. Heating avocado can turn it mushy and bitter, so this should be avoided.