Why Is My Food Getting Freezer Burned?

If you’ve thawed a roast, only to discover it covered in ice crystals or gray, leathery patches, you’ve experienced freezer burn. This condition, which can occur for reasons ranging from poor packaging to a malfunctioning freezer, can compromise the quality of your meats and veggies, making them unappetizing and often leading to food waste.

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Fortunately, although you can’t fix freezer burn that’s already occurred, you can prevent it from happening in the future.

What Is Freezer Burn — and Why Does It Happen?

Freezer burn occurs when air reaches the outer layers of frozen food, causing moisture loss and discoloration. The result is dry, leathery food that may be tough and flavorless. According to the USDA, freezer-burned food is safe to eat. However, consumers may want to cut away discolored sections to improve food quality.

Freezer burn can happen due to an appliance malfunction or poor storage methods, and food that’s stored for long periods of time is particularly susceptible to the condition. If your frozen food comes out of the freezer looking gray and unappetizing, here are several possible reasons why, and what you can do about it.

Improper Thermostat Setting

What Went Wrong: If your freezer's thermostat is set too high, food freezes slowly. This causes large ice crystals to form. When thawing, these crystals can damage food, drying out meat and curdling cream and other emulsions.

The Solution: Lower the thermostat to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below. By freezing food rapidly, you’ll prevent large ice crystals from forming and reduce the risk of freezer burn. If your freezer is set properly but still freezing too slowly, you may be experiencing a mechanical problem.

Frequent Freezer Use

What Went Wrong: When a freezer door is opened and closed frequently, the appliance may struggle to maintain a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or lower. If the freezer can’t maintain this temperature, freezer burn may occur.

The Solution: Open the freezer door as little as possible, and minimize the time it stays open. Know what item you’re reaching for before you open the door and set up an organizational system so you know where to look for meats, veggies or leftovers.

If you frequently open your freezer, you may benefit from a standalone storage freezer for items being stored long-term, which are more prone to freezer burn.

Poor Door Seal

What Went Wrong: If the freezer door doesn’t seal tightly, cool air can escape, raising the unit's internal temperature This can result in slower freezing, which causes dehydration and the formation of large ice crystals that lead to freezer burn.

The Solution: Changing the direction the door opens may improve the seal, particularly if something is blocking it. For many freezers, changing the swing of the door just requires removal of several brackets and screws and reattachment of the fridge and freezer doors on the reverse side. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s manual for instructions, so the door is hung properly.

Malfunctioning Sensors

What Went Wrong: Some freezers use a sensor, known as a thermistor, to detect the internal temperature. If that sensor malfunctions, the freezer can fail to reach the proper cooling temperature. Constant running or frequent cycling can signal a thermistor issue. Digital freezers may also show error codes. If you aren't sure, a professional can quickly diagnose this type of issue.

The Solution: Replace the thermistor. If you're a savvy DIYer with a no-frills freezer, you may be able to replace the thermistor yourself by following the instructions in your user’s manual. For complex, digital models, it’s typically best to call in a pro.

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Dirty Condenser Coils

What Went Wrong: Hair, dust and pet fur can accumulate on a refrigerator's condenser coils, causing your unit (including the freezer) to cool less efficiently. This can result in slower freezing times, which lead to freezer burn.

The Solution: Clean your condenser coils regularly using a bristled coil brush or a dedicated vacuum attachment. On most units, the coils are located either below the refrigerator, behind a grate, or on the back of the unit, and are easily accessible.

Other Mechanical Problems

What Went Wrong: Mechanical problems, such as broken fan motors or malfunctioning thermostats, can cause temperature fluctuations, particularly in older freezers. This can result in the formation of large ice crystals, which contribute to freezer burn and loss of food quality.

The Solution: If you think your freezer is experiencing a mechanical malfunction, place an appliance thermometer inside to monitor the temperature. If the thermostat and thermometer show different temperature readings, call in a service technician for diagnosis and repair, or invest in a new, energy-efficient unit.

Improper Storage

What Went Wrong: If food isn't stored properly, dry, cold air can reach the outer layers, causing moisture loss, which leads to freezer burn.

The Solution: Choose airtight wrapping, such as sealable freezer bags, vacuum packaging or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Before freezing, repackage meats and veggies that come in permeable plastic wrappers, and store food in small portions to shorten freezing time.

Extended Storage

What Went Wrong: Food that’s frozen for long periods can be particularly susceptible to freezer burn.

The Solution: Minimizing storage time reduces the risk of freezer burn, so rotate your frozen food, keeping older items toward the front. Whenever possible, use them first.