The invention discloses a method and control system for detecting defrosting of an air source heat pump based on infrared thermal imaging. The system comprises a compressor, a gas and liquid separator, a four-way reversing valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an electronic expanding valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an infrared thermal imaging instrument, a digital processor, a memorizer, a video outputting device, a temperature and humidity recorder and other parts, wherein the infrared thermal imaging instrument, the digital processor and the memorizer are relevant to defrosting control. According to the system, by means of a reverse cycle work condition and control logistics, defrosting of the system is achieved; and by means of the system and the method, the mistaken defrosting condition can be effectively avoided, the defrosting energy consumption is reduced, and the beneficial effects of energy conservation and environmental protection are achieved. The infrared thermal imaging instrument is dual-purpose, can output surface temperature and surface condition common videos, can control the defrosting work condition in winter, and can detect the blockage condition of an outdoor unitin summer. By means of the system, not only can the defrosting condition be controlled, the outdoor unit condition videos can also be uploaded and output, and a worker can perform overhauling conveniently.