How to Freeze Bananas to Use in Everything From Smoothies to Baked Goods

Never toss another banana.

Frozen bananas — Credit:
Irina Taskova / GETTY IMAGES

There are few fruits more versatile than bananas. You can blend them in smoothies, bake them in everyone's favorite quick bread, or use them as a topping for cereal, yogurt, and more. Bananas can even be used as an egg substitute in baking and, of course, eaten as is.

If you often find yourself with overripe bananas (or perhaps you bought too many), freezing them is a helpful solution. To determine the best method, we talked to a cooking instructor and chef about how to freeze bananas properly, plus whether or not you should slice or peel them first.

Jay Weinstein, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.

How Long Fresh Bananas Last

The shelf life of fresh bananas depends on their ripeness upon purchase and storage method. For example, unripe green bananas will ripen at room temperature within a few days; once the fruit reaches your desired level of ripeness, you can store them in the refrigerator for about a week. The peels might turn brown, but the actual fruit will be safe to eat. However, if you're unable to eat the bananas within this time frame, you may want to freeze them instead.

How to Freeze Sliced Bananas

It's a simple process:

Remove the peels and cut the banana into coins or chunks.
Arrange the banana pieces, uncovered, on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. (Line the sheet with a silicone mat rather than parchment if you prefer.)
Put the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer until the banana pieces have frozen, about three to four hours.
"Once they're hard, transfer them to a freezer bag, press out the air, and seal for long-term freezing," says Jay Weinstein, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Using sliced frozen bananas: There are lots of ways to use frozen sliced bananas. Smoothies are an obvious one, but they're especially great for garnishing dishes (such as banana tarts or muffins), says Weinstein.

How to Freeze Whole Bananas

Bananas can also be frozen whole. This is the best way to freeze bananas if you will be using them for applications like making banana bread or using the fruit as an egg replacement. "Peel [the bananas and] place them in a single layer in a freezer bag," says Weinstein. "Set the bag on a tray, such as a toaster oven pan, anywhere in the freezer." Once the bananas are solid, remove the tray.

For an extra layer of protection against freezer burn when storing bananas for extended periods, consider double-bagging them. Place the bananas in a smaller freezer bag first, then place that bag into a larger one before sealing. This helps minimize any potential air exposure, ensuring your bananas maintain their quality for as long as possible.

How Long Frozen Bananas Last

"Whole, peeled frozen bananas keep for three months," says Weinstein. If they're frozen together, you can simply snap them apart. "Sliced bananas won't last as long, [about] two months tops," he says. This is due to the increased amount of surface area exposed to damaging air, which starts as soon as they're cut, he explains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to use a freezer bag when freezing bananas?

Yes, you should always use a freezer bag when freezing bananas, whether you are freezing them sliced or whole. You can use a disposable plastic freezer-safe bag or a reusable silicone bag.
Should you peel bananas before you freeze them?

Yes, you should peel bananas before freezing them. While freezing sliced or whole bananas in their skin will reduce air exposure and the risk of freezer burn, making the bananas last longer, this method requires thawing to remove the peel, and extracting the fruit will be a messy job, Weinstein notes.
Do bananas get mushy after freezing?

Yes, bananas can get mushy after freezing. This is due to ice crystals forming within the banana's cells, which rupture the cells' walls. Because of the texture change, it's not recommended to freeze and thaw bananas to eat them fresh. Frozen banana is best used for things like smoothies, ice cream, or banana bread, where the texture is not the priority.