Topping with a Mediterranean crunch: Capers from the Airfryer
Capers are true flavor bombs: intense, salty, slightly spicy, and full of umami. When crisped up as a topping, their flavor transforms in the best way – and thanks to the airfryer, you can enjoy them oil-free and super quick. Instead of deep-frying them in a pan, just roast your capers in the airfryer for a golden, crunchy bite.
Whether on pasta, salads, or hummus: crispy capers add texture, zing, and Mediterranean flair to countless dishes. In this article, you’ll learn not only how to make them, but also why capers are so healthy, where they come from – and how the airfryer works its magic.
What exactly are capers?
Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa), a hardy Mediterranean plant that thrives in Southern Europe, from Spain and Greece to Morocco. These flavor-packed buds have been used in Mediterranean cooking since the time of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Capers or caperberries?
Capers are the unopened buds. Caperberries, on the other hand, are the fruits that grow after the flowers bloom and are pollinated. Both are pickled and enjoyed as delicacies, but capers are typically more versatile in cooking.
Are capers healthy?
Absolutely. Capers contain beneficial mustard oils like kaempferol, which may have antibacterial effects and support digestion. Their bitter compounds stimulate the digestive system and may help ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
What do roasted capers taste like?
Roasted capers lose much of their vinegary sharpness and develop a nutty, savory crunch. Large capers work especially well here. If using salt-packed capers, be sure to rinse and soak them beforehand.
What dishes go well with them?
Try them as a topping on:
- Salads
- Hummus and dips
- Tartar and steak
- Tuna (raw or cooked)
- Couscous, pizza, pasta
- and of course, my Montasio cheese soup
Preparation time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 jar of large capers (e.g. 100 g drained weight or more)
- Approx. 1 tsp high-heat cooking oil (e.g. refined olive oil)
PREPARATION
- Drain the capers in a sieve and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Lightly spray or toss with a small amount of oil.
- Preheat your airfryer (e.g. Ninja AF400EUCP) for 3 minutes at 210°C (410°F).
- Add the capers directly into the basket (no crisp plate) and roast for 5–7 minutes.
- Shake the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Tip: Crispy capers absorb moisture quickly. Use them right away or store in an airtight container. If they lose their crunch, re-crisp them briefly in the airfryer without adding more oil.
Airfryer facts: The airfryer is ideal for creating crispy textures with little or no oil. It uses hot circulating air for a fried finish without deep-frying. This method works especially well in models like the Ninja AF400EUCP, though any airfryer with a high-temperature function will do the trick.