How to Cut
an Avocado Safely
in 5 Simple Steps

At first glance, the bumpy green exterior of an avocado can be intimidating. You know there’s creamy, delicious goodness inside, but how to cut an avocado may not be immediately apparent.

 

Fear not, avocado lover. There’s an easy, reliable way to cut into your favorite fruit. And once you master the art of cutting an avocado, you’ll be well on your way to slicing and dicing your way toward awe-inspiring guacamole (or … smoothies or tacos, salads, burgers, or ceviche). You know what they say: When life hands you an avocado, you can make any dish better!

 

First, Make Sure You’re Cutting an Avocado That’s Perfectly Ripe

Avocados are a lot easier to cut when they’re ripe. They also taste better! Before you even get out the knife, choose the freshest, ripest avocado by holding it in your palm and gently squeezing it. If it gives a little under the pressure … winner-winner, guac with dinner!

 

Is your avocado hard as a rock? Fear not! You can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag along with a banana or apple on the kitchen counter. Check back every day for progress. Bananas and apples both emit the natural plant hormone ethylene gas, which helps ripen fruit. The paper bag traps the gas and speeds up the process. It sounds loca, but it’s true.

 

How to Cut an Avocado in Half

Perfectly ripe avocado? Check. ✅ Now, all you need is a cutting board, knife, fork, and spoon.

1. Place the avocado on the cutting board. Place a clean towel on the board if desired to keep the avocado from slipping.
2. Hold the avocado with one hand firmly on top of the fruit and cut into the middle of the avocado in a complete circle around the pit. Cut longways from the stem to the bottom.
3. Put down the knife and twist the avocado with two hands so the halves come apart.
4. If using both halves right away, go ahead and remove the pit by holding the half with the pit in your hand and use a spoon to work out the pit while gently squeezing from the bottom. Another option: Place the avocado on the board, gently whack the pit with your knife, and twist to release.
5. To remove the avocado meat, work a wet spoon between the green flesh of the avocado and the skin to scoop it out.

 

 

How to Cut an Avocado into Slices

Ever wonder how restaurants get those perfect slivers of avocado in a neat little row on top of avocado toast? It’s easier than it looks. Simply follow the steps above for how to cut an avocado in half. Before step five (removing the avocado meat), grab your handy knife and slice vertically into the avocado flesh to form delicate ribbons. The knife will easily sink into a ripe avocado, so be careful not to use too much pressure. You don’t want to slice through the avocado skin! Then, remove the avocado meat with a wet spoon.

 

Another option: Place the avocado half face down onto a plate so the bumpy skin is on top, and gently peel the skin away with your fingers. This technique may take a little practice, but it will ensure your fancy slices of avocado are not mushed in the removal process.

 

How to Cut an Avocado into Diced Cubes

Diced avocado is useful for many dishes, from chunky guacamole and chicken avocado tostadas to ahi poke nachos, shrimp cocktail, and homemade salads. It can also help add a rich consistency when blended into fresh smoothies.

 

To dice an avocado, follow steps one through four for how to cut an avocado in half. Then, use a sharp knife to cut a grid pattern into the flesh of the avocado while it is still in the skin. Cut through the surface to the skin and then scoop out the chunks with a wet spoon.

 

What to Do with Extra Cut Avocado

Sometimes, recipes will call for a portion of an avocado. Then, you’re left with a small amount of avocado and the question of how to eat it!

 

 

The simplest way to enjoy extra avocado is with a fork. Sprinkle some salt and lemon juice, or step it up by mashing leftover avocado onto crackers or toast for a premeal snack. Add your favorite seasonings, like everything bagel, Italian, Cajun, or crushed red pepper for savory goodness.

 

With avocados, the sky is the limit! Check out our other handy how-to hacks to get the most out of this delicious fruit.