Nothing’s worse than craving creamy guacamole only to find rock-hard avocados. Learning how to ripen avocados quickly saves the day, turning firm fruit into buttery perfection fast. With simple household tricks and science-backed methods, you’ll never wait days again. If patience isn’t your thing, these easy steps show you exactly how to ripen avocados quickly and safely.
Use A Brown Paper Bag
The easiest method for how to ripen avocados quickly is the brown paper bag trick. Place unripe avocados in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds ripening. Seal lightly and store at room temperature. Within 1–3 days, your avocados will soften perfectly for slicing or mashing.
Add Bananas For Faster Results
A top hack in how to ripen avocados quickly involves pairing them with bananas. Bananas release more ethylene gas than most fruits, accelerating the ripening process. Simply keep them together in a paper bag and fold it closed. The warmth and trapped gas create the ideal environment for soft, creamy avocados within 24–48 hours.
Use Apples As Natural Ripeners
If you’re wondering how to ripen avocados quickly without bananas, apples work too. They emit ethylene gas that promotes ripening naturally. Store your avocados with one or two apples inside a paper bag at room temperature. In about two days, you’ll notice the fruit softening evenly, ready for toast, salads, or guacamole perfection.
Store In A Warm Spot
Temperature plays a big role in how to ripen avocados quickly. Avocados ripen best around 65–75°F. Keep them near a sunny windowsill or warm counter—but not in direct sunlight for too long. The gentle warmth activates natural enzymes, softening the flesh faster without spoiling it. Avoid refrigeration until ripening is complete.
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Use The Oven Method
If you need how to ripen avocados quickly within hours, try the oven trick. Wrap avocados tightly in foil, place them on a baking sheet, and heat at 200°F for 10–15 minutes. The heat releases ethylene gas faster, softening the fruit. Let them cool completely before cutting for the best texture and taste.
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Try The Microwave Method Carefully
When practicing how to ripen avocados quickly, the microwave can help in emergencies. Pierce the skin a few times, wrap in a paper towel, and heat for 30 seconds. Let it rest before checking softness. It won’t taste identical to naturally ripened avocados, but it’s perfect for recipes needing soft texture fast.
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Place Near Other Fruits
Another natural trick in how to ripen avocados quickly is proximity to ethylene-producing fruits—like apples, kiwis, or peaches. Keep them together in a bowl or paper bag. The shared gas speeds ripening evenly. This method avoids heat damage, offering a chemical-free, flavor-preserving way to get ripe avocados in just a few days.
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Wrap In Newspaper
If paper bags aren’t available, how to ripen avocados quickly can be done using newspaper. Wrap each avocado loosely in newspaper and leave it at room temperature. The wrap traps ethylene gas while allowing airflow, preventing mold. Within two days, your avocados will feel tender and ready for your favorite dishes.
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Use Rice Or Flour For Gentle Ripening
A lesser-known trick in how to ripen avocados quickly is submerging them in uncooked rice or flour. Bury the avocados completely, which traps ethylene gas while keeping out moisture. This gentle environment speeds ripening in about two days. It’s the same concept used for ripening mangoes and works surprisingly well.
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Avoid Plastic Bags
When learning how to ripen avocados quickly, never use plastic bags. They trap too much moisture, causing mold or uneven ripening. Paper bags or breathable wraps maintain a balance between humidity and airflow. This helps the avocados ripen naturally without turning mushy or developing off smells. Simple airflow makes a big difference.
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Check Daily For Ripeness
An important part of how to ripen avocados quickly is monitoring progress. Check daily by gently pressing near the stem—if it yields slightly, it’s ready. Overripe avocados darken and feel mushy. Keeping an eye on them ensures you stop the ripening process at peak creaminess for the best flavor and texture.
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Transfer To Fridge When Ripe
Once ripe, stop the process in how to ripen avocados quickly by refrigerating them. Cold slows ripening, preserving the perfect texture for up to five days. Keep them whole or sliced with lemon juice and wrap tightly. This prevents waste while ensuring you have creamy avocados ready when you need them.
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Use Ethylene Gas Packets (Optional)
If you want to level up how to ripen avocados quickly, ethylene gas packets are available online. These safe, food-grade sachets simulate fruit-emitted gas, speeding ripening without heat. Place one in a paper bag with your avocados for reliable, even softening. They’re especially handy when you need consistent results year-round.
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Don’t Store In The Fridge Prematurely
A common mistake in how to ripen avocados quickly is refrigerating them too early. Cold temperatures halt ripening completely. Always wait until the avocados soften slightly before chilling. Premature refrigeration leaves them hard inside, wasting time and flavor. Keep them on the counter until they pass the gentle squeeze test first.
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Use Ripening Bowls Or Containers
For a modern solution in how to ripen avocados quickly, specialized ripening bowls are available. These containers trap ethylene gas efficiently while maintaining optimal humidity. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and speed up ripening without chemicals or heat. In just a few days, you’ll have perfectly creamy avocados ready for toast or salad.
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Knowing how to ripen avocados quickly transforms your kitchen routine—no more waiting or wasting. From paper bags and bananas to gentle heat and smart storage, each method helps you achieve perfectly soft avocados fast. Remember: warmth and ethylene gas are your best tools. With these safe, proven tricks, you’ll always have smooth, ripe avocados ready whenever craving strikes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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