Can You Freeze Chillies?
Fresh chillies are brilliant for adding heat to curries, chillies, stir fries and sauces, but they can be surprisingly easy to waste.
Whether you’ve bought a packet for one recipe or your chilli plant has suddenly produced dozens of ripe chillies all at once, it’s common to end up with far more than you can use before they start to wrinkle.
The good news is that chillies are one of the easiest vegetables to freeze. They freeze exceptionally well, keep their heat and flavour, and can often be used straight from the freezer, making them perfect for reducing food waste.
Can You Freeze Chillies?
Yes, you can freeze chillies.
Fresh chillies freeze extremely well and can be kept in the freezer for around six months. You can freeze them whole, sliced, diced or even in ready-to-use portions depending on how you normally cook.
Unlike many vegetables, chillies don’t need blanching before freezing, making them one of the quickest foods to prepare for the freezer.
Can You Freeze Fresh Chillies?
Absolutely.
Fresh chillies can be frozen as soon as you bring them home or pick them from the garden. Freezing them while they’re still fresh helps preserve both their flavour and heat.
If your chillies are already becoming soft or showing signs of mould, it’s better to compost or discard them rather than freeze them.
Can You Freeze Whole Chillies?
Yes.
Whole chillies freeze perfectly well and are ideal if you normally use one or two at a time.
If you’d rather avoid having them freeze into one solid lump, flash freezing them first makes it easy to remove individual chillies whenever you need them.
Should You Freeze Chillies Whole or Chopped?
Both methods work well.
- Whole chillies are quickest if you’re short on time.
- Sliced chillies are handy for pizzas, nachos and salads.
- Diced chillies can be added straight into curries, chilli con carne, soups and sauces without any preparation.
If you cook regularly with chillies, spending a few extra minutes chopping them before freezing can save time later.
Tips for Preparing Chillies
Before freezing your chillies:
- Wash and dry them thoroughly.
- Remove any damaged or mouldy chillies.
- Wear disposable gloves if handling particularly hot varieties.
- Avoid touching your eyes or face while preparing them.
- Wash chopping boards and knives thoroughly afterwards.
How To Freeze Chillies
There are several ways to freeze chillies depending on how you plan to use them.
Method 1: Freeze Whole Chillies
This is the quickest method.
- Wash and completely dry the chillies.
- Place them into a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label and date before freezing.
If freezing this way, the chillies may stick together slightly.
Method 2: Flash Freeze Whole Chillies
If you want to remove individual chillies whenever you need them, flash freezing works best.
- Lay the chillies in a single layer on a baking tray.
- Freeze for around two hours until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label and return to the freezer.
Because the chillies are already frozen individually, you can simply grab one or two instead of thawing the whole bag.
Method 3: Freeze Chopped Chillies
If you use chopped chillies regularly, preparing them first saves time later.
- Remove the stalks.
- Slice into rings or finely dice.
- Divide into small portions.
- Freeze in small freezer bags or use a silicone ice cube tray.
- If using an ice cube tray, top each section with a little olive oil before freezing.
This gives you ready-prepared portions that can go straight into cooking.
How Long Do Chillies Last In The Freezer?
Frozen chillies are best used within six months.
After this they’ll still be safe to eat but may gradually lose some of their flavour and heat.
Do You Need To Defrost Chillies?
Usually not.
Frozen chillies can be added straight into:
- Curries
- Chilli con carne
- Stir fries
- Soups
- Sauces
- Casseroles
If you’re using them as a topping for pizzas, nachos or salads, it’s better to thaw them first.
Can You Freeze Chillies With The Seeds In?
Yes.
The seeds don’t affect how well chillies freeze.
Leave them in if you like extra heat or remove them before freezing if you prefer a milder flavour.
Can You Freeze Scotch Bonnet Chillies?
Yes.
Scotch bonnets, bird’s eye chillies, jalapeños, habaneros and most other varieties all freeze well using exactly the same methods.
Other Ways To Preserve Chillies
Freezing isn’t the only option.
If you’ve had a particularly large harvest, you could also:
- Dry them
- Make chilli oil
- Make sweet chilli jam
- Pickle them
- Ferment them into hot sauce
Each method gives a different flavour and texture, but freezing is by far the quickest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze dried chillies?
There’s usually no need. Dried chillies are already preserved and will keep for a long time in an airtight container.
Can you cook frozen chillies?
Yes. In fact, most frozen chillies can be used straight from the freezer without defrosting.
Do frozen chillies lose their heat?
Very little. They usually retain most of their heat and flavour throughout their time in the freezer.
Can you freeze cooked dishes containing chillies?
Yes. Curries, chilli con carne, soups and casseroles containing chillies all freeze well provided the other ingredients are suitable for freezing.
Looking To Freeze More Vegetables?
If you’re trying to reduce food waste and make the most of your freezer, take a look at my Freezing Food Hub, where you’ll find guides covering hundreds of everyday foods.
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