How to Peel An Avocado

Published January 29, 2016 by
Scott Groth
| Post updated: October 15, 2024 |
Leave a Comment

Peeling an avocado might seem like a simple task, but doing it properly can make a world of difference in your kitchen. Whether you're preparing a creamy guacamole, adding slices to your salad, or crafting a picture-perfect avocado toast, mastering the art of How to Peel Avocado ensures you get the most out of this nutritious fruit.

A well-peeled avocado looks better and retains its delicious flavor and texture, making your dishes more enjoyable and visually appealing. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to perfectly peel an avocado, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience every time. Let's learn how to get skin off avocado!

Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Paring knife

Ingredients

1 Avocado

HOW TO PEEL AVOCADO IN 4 EASY STEPS

Peeling an avocado might seem tricky, but it's simple with the right technique. Follow these four easy steps to enjoy perfectly peeled avocados every time. Whether you're using this versatile fruit for guacamole or topping your salad, these tips will make your prep a breeze. Follow these steps to learn how to remove avocado skin:

Picking the Perfect Avocado

Step 1: How to Pick the Perfect Avocado

Check for ripeness by popping the stem: So, how do you find the perfectly ripe avocado? You pop the stem. Also, to be able to peel an avocado, it needs to be just about perfectly ripe. The skin won't come off if the avocado is too young. It will break off in bits and pieces, which is completely annoying. If the avocado is too ripe, the flesh of the avocado will stick to the peel when it is removed... essentially defeating the purpose of trying to peel it.
Look for a light, vibrant green color: If you look in the picture below, you will see that right under the stem you can see the flesh of the avocado. If it is yellow or white looking, it is too young. If it is brown or super dark green, it is overripe. We are looking for a light, vibrant green flesh color.
Gentle squeeze test: You can also tell the general nature of the ripeness of an avocado with a gentle squeeze. If the avocado feels rock hard and has a really green tint to the skin, it is very young. If the avocado feels like a balloon filled with sand and the skin looks dark and really leathery, it is overripe. We are looking for just a bit of give with a gentle squeeze and a nice, dark green skin.
General guidelines for avocado selection at the grocery store: Can you pop the stem at the grocery store? Yes. But be reasonable about it. Before you pop the stem, squeeze it a bit to see if you think it is about ready. I don't think the grocery store likes it when people stand around popping the stems off all the avocados, but I might be wrong.
Avocado storage tip: So I buy my avocados in bags of six. The problem is that they always get ripe at about the same time, and I can't get through them fast enough. Well, here's a wonderful storage tip that I learned. When your avocado is JUST ABOUT ripe, put it in the refrigerator. The cold environment will slow the ripening process and give you another 4-5 days before you have to use the avocado. It works- give it a try!

Step 2: Opening the Avocado

Tools needed: Now that we have the perfect avocado ready to go, let's start the process. In this step, I recommend using a paring knife or a utility knife (typically a thin blade, about 5-7 inches in length). You'll have more control than using a chef or other large blade.
How to cut around the circumference of the avocado: The first thing we need to do is pop the stem if you haven't done so already. Then, insert the knife into the avocado right where the stem was just attached. We will split the avocado lengthwise around the circumference, as you can see in the picture below. Cut through the avocado until you feel the blade hit the pit. Now rotate the avocado, keeping your blade tip against the pit until you have cut all the way around the avocado.
Tips for twisting the avocado halves apart: Set down your knife and grab both hemispheres of the cut avocado. Twist gently, and they should come right apart. On one side will be the pit. Nice work!

Step 3: Removing the Pit

Safe methods to tap the knife into the pit: Okay, so the hardest part is now behind us. Removing the pit is really easy. With the skin side against your cutting board, tap the sharp, flat edge of your knife gently against the pit. The blade should easily enter the pit with just a gentle tap. My gentle might be different than yours, so if the blade edge doesn't lodge in the pit, tap with just a little more force... but you shouldn't need much. Take a look at step 3 in the images below.
How to twist and remove the pit safely: Once you have your blade embedded in the pit, pick up the avocado with one hand and gently rotate the knife blade to the left or right with the other. The pit will pop right out.
Safe disposal of the pit from the knife: To remove the pit from the blade, DO NOT use your hands! That's dangerous. Just press the blade edge with the pit on it perpendicular to the cutting board, and the pit will pop right off. Easy.

Step 4: Peeling the Avocado

Place the avocado halves face down: This last step takes just a bit of getting used to, so take your time. Once you have the pit removed, place both halves of the avocado face down on the cutting board.
Lightly slice through the skin: Using your paring knife, lightly slice lengthwise down the center of the avocado, just through the skin. I find it is easiest to use the tip of the knife.
Techniques for peeling back the skin: Once the skin is split, pick up the avocado and peel back the skin. You can see how I did this in the image below. The skin will come off in one piece, leaving you with a perfectly peeled avocado.

Additional Tips

Use a spoon for slicing: Instead of a knife, you can use a spoon to gently scoop out the avocado flesh, especially if it's perfectly ripe. This helps avoid any accidental cuts.
Score the flesh for easier removal: Before peeling, you can lightly score the flesh of the avocado into cubes while it's still in the skin. This makes it easier to remove in avocado pieces if you don't need whole halves.
Peel under running water: If the skin is stubborn, try peeling the avocado under a gentle stream of running water. This can help loosen the skin and make peeling easier.
Use a ripe avocado tool: Specialized avocado tools, like the avocado scooper, can make the peeling, pitting, and slicing process even simpler and safer.
Peel with your fingers: If the avocado is just right, you can often peel it with your fingers without needing a knife. Start from the cut edge and gently pull the skin back.
Avoid browning: To prevent the avocado from browning after peeling, you can brush it with a bit of lemon or lime juice. This keeps it looking fresh, especially if you're not using it immediately.
Keep avocado halves together: If you only need half an avocado, keep the pit in the unused half and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, lightly pressing the wrap onto the cut edges. This helps slow down the browning process.
Chill before peeling: If your avocados are very ripe, refrigerating them for about 30 minutes before peeling can firm up the flesh, making it easier to handle.
Perfect for smoothies: If your avocado is slightly overripe and difficult to peel, don't discard it. Use the soft flesh in smoothies for a creamy texture and extra nutrients.

Safety Tips

Use a stable cutting board: Ensure your cutting board is secure and stable to prevent any slipping while cutting. A damp kitchen towel underneath the board can help keep it in place.
Cut away from yourself: Always cut away from your body to avoid accidental cuts. Keep your fingers clear of the knife's path.
Tap the pit gently: When removing the pit with a knife, tap gently to avoid the blade slipping. If unsure, use a spoon to scoop out the pit instead.
Avoid using hands to remove the pit: Never use your hands to remove the avocado seed from the knife blade. Use a towel or tap the blade against the cutting board to safely dislodge it.

Storage and Preservation

Wondering how to store avocado to keep it fresh longer? Follow these simple tips to maximize its shelf life and flavor.

Storage Tips and How to Prevent Browning after Peeling

Wrap tightly: Store peeled avocados by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. This minimizes exposure to air, helping maintain their freshness.
Use airtight containers: Place the wrapped avocado in an airtight container to further reduce air exposure. This method is especially effective if you're storing multiple avocado halves.
Add a bit of acid: Squeeze a little lemon juice or lime juice over the peeled avocado before wrapping. The acidity helps slow down the oxidation process, keeping the avocado fresh for longer, and adds a hint of flavor.
Store with onions: Place the peeled avocado in an airtight container with a few slices of onion. The sulfur compounds in onions can help slow down the browning process.
Submerge in water: Place the peeled avocado in a container and cover it with warm water. Ensure the avocado is fully submerged, then seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. This method keeps air away from the avocado, preventing browning.
Use olive oil: Lightly brush the surface of the peeled avocado with olive oil. This creates a barrier against air exposure, helping to keep the avocado green and fresh.

Variations and Advanced Techniques

TikTok Hack for Peeling Avocado

One popular viral TikTok hack involves peeling avocados easily with just your hands. In this method, after halving the avocado and removing the pit, you make a small cut at the top of the avocado half. From there, you can peel the entire skin off effortlessly with your fingers. This hack has gained attention for its simplicity and efficiency. However, while this method is fun to try, traditional techniques might still be more reliable for consistent results.

Tips for Cutting Avocados into Different Shapes and Sizes

Slices: For perfect avocado slices, cut the avocado in half, and remove the pit. Peel as described above, or use a large spoon to scoop out the entire half in one piece. Place the avocado half cut-side-down and slice it evenly.
Cubes: To cube an avocado, follow the same steps as slicing, but after scooping out the avocado half, make vertical and horizontal cuts to create a grid pattern and separate into cubes.
Chunks: For chunkier avocado segments, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice the halves into quarters. Peel off the skin and cut avocado into quarters into the desired avocado chunks size.
Avocado rings: To make avocado rings, slice a ripe avocado crosswise into even rounds, carefully remove the pit, then gently peel off the skin. Use a sharp knife to maintain clean, uniform slices for a visually appealing presentation.

Experimenting with avocado preparation using different shapes and sizes can enhance the presentation of your dishes, making your salads, sandwiches, and garnishes look more appealing and professional.

Suggested Recipes

Avocados are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor to many dishes. Whether you're using avocado for guacamole, a flavorful dressing, or a delicious casserole, or just avocado for salad, it can be the perfect ingredient to elevate your meals. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that feature avocados:

Avocado Lime Crema: This creamy and tangy avocado lime crema is perfect for drizzling over tacos, nachos, or grilled meats. It's a simple blend of ripe avocados, lime juice, and a hint of garlic that adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
Avocado Lime Dressing: Brighten up your salads with this zesty avocado lime dressing. The combination of creamy avocado and fresh lime juice creates a smooth and flavorful dressing that's perfect for any green salad or as a dip for veggies.
Bacon Avocado Salad: This bacon avocado salad is a delicious mix of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh greens. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it's a satisfying and nutritious dish that's great for lunch or dinner.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole: Add a twist to your favorite jalapeño popper chicken casserole by topping it off with an avocado slice. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapenos and cheesy chicken, making it a delicious and hearty meal.

Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discover how avocados can enhance your culinary creations!

Nutritional Benefits of Avocado

Avocados are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch, making them a valuable addition to any diet. They are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. Avocados are also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making them beneficial for weight management. Moreover, avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for overall health:

Rich in potassium: Avocados contain more potassium than bananas, a mineral essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function.
Loaded with vitamin K: This vitamin is crucial for bone health and plays a role in blood clotting.
High in vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.

Adding avocado to your diet can provide a range of essential nutrients while contributing to a balanced and healthy eating plan. Whether sliced on toast, blended into a smoothie, or used as a creamy topping, avocados offer versatile ways to enjoy their nutritional benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Peeling avocados may seem straightforward, but certain mistakes can lead to unnecessary mess or wastage. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:

Using a dull knife: Using a dull knife can make it difficult to cut through the avocado skin cleanly, leading to mushed or unevenly peeled fruit. Always use a sharp knife to slice through the avocado easily.
Not ripe enough: Trying to peel an avocado that isn't ripe enough can result in frustration and a messy process. Ensure your avocado is ripe by gently pressing near the stem — it should yield slightly when ripe.
Incorrect peeling technique: Peeling an avocado incorrectly can lead to wastage of the fruit or difficulty in removing the skin. The best way to peel an avocado is to slice it in half lengthwise, twist the halves apart, and then carefully remove the pit with a spoon.
Not using a spoon for removal: Attempting to peel the avocado with your fingers can result in damaged fruit. Instead, scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon to preserve its shape and avoid unnecessary mess.
Not leaving the pit inside: Leaving the pit in the unused half of the avocado can cause it to keep better. Store leftover avocado with the pit intact and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent oxidation.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can peel avocados efficiently and enjoy their creamy goodness without hassle.

Final Thoughts

Here's my takeaway on How to Peel Avocado: wait until the avocado is ripe before peeling. Everything after that is pretty easy with just a bit of practice. If you are looking for some recipes so you can apply your newly acquired skill set, try making my easy guacamole recipe or my bacon avocado salad with watercress and lemon. You'll love how fresh it is!

FAQs

Should you refrigerate avocados?

No, it's best to store avocados at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate to slow ripening.

How do you soften peeled avocados quickly?

Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana, or briefly microwave them.

What is the easiest way to smash avocado?

Use a fork to mash it in a bowl until the desired consistency is achieved.

Can we eat avocado without peeling?

No, the skin is not edible and should be removed before consuming.

How to cut avocado?

To cut an avocado, slice it lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate halves, and remove the pit with a spoon or knife. Then, score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern and scoop it out with a spoon for easy serving or slicing.

Recent Low Carb Recipes:

Keto eggs Benedict served on a black plate, with hollandaise sauce, greens, and bacon, set against a rustic kitchen backdrop.

Easy Keto Eggs Benedict Recipe

December 12, 2024

For years, I thought enjoying eggs Benedict on keto meant skipping the bread—until I perfected my oven-baked keto English muffins. This recipe is simple, delicious, and just like the classic version but with far fewer carbs. Let me show you how to make it at home!