Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Make your own Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at home! These crispy, saucy bites are the perfect vegetarian game-day snack — spicy, crunchy, and bursting with bold buffalo flavor straight from your air fryer or oven.

If you love the bold, spicy flavor of Buffalo Wild Wings, you’re going to be obsessed with this Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe!

These crispy, golden cauliflower florets are tossed in tangy buffalo sauce for the ultimate vegetarian twist on classic wings.

Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, they make an irresistible appetizer, game-day snack, or meatless meal.

Best of all, they’re easy to make in your air fryer or oven — no deep frying required!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Without Frying – Get that perfect golden crunch using your air fryer or oven—no greasy mess required!
• Flavor-Packed – Each bite bursts with bold, tangy, and spicy Buffalo Wild Wings flavor you’ll crave.
• Healthier Twist – A lighter, veggie-forward version of classic wings that’s guilt-free and satisfying.
• Quick & Easy – Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd Favorite – Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun snack that everyone (even meat lovers) will devour!

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Ingredients

• Cauliflower Florets: The dish’s star, cauliflower florets, become tender on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside in the air fryer
• Buttermilk: Use homemade or store-bought buttermilk.
• Flour: Use regular, all-purpose flour, almond flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter
• Franks Hot Sauce and Louisiana Hot Sauce: Buffalo Sauce: The signature ingredient for that classic buffalo wing flavor and heat.
• Seasonings and Spices: White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Dry Mustard, Minced Garlic, and Black Pepper.
• Serving: Celery Sticks, Carrot Sticks, Limes, and Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing

How To Make Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

STEP 1: Break the head of cauliflower into cauliflower florets. Add white pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dry mustard, and black pepper to a large bowl and mix— Place cauliflower florets in the spices.

STEP 2: Add minced garlic, with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, to a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté 30 seconds. Then, melt butter, Frank’s red hot sauce Louisiana hot sauce, and juice from lime. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat—Cook for 5 minutes. 

STEP 3: In a large mixing bowl, add flour, buttermilk, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine, then toss the cauliflower until evenly coated; use a slotted spoon.

STEP 4: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place cauliflower (in a single layer) in the air fryer basket. Set to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and cook for 7 minutes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook this recipe in batches.

STEP 5: Turn cauliflower over and cook for an additional 5 minutes, cooking until golden brown. Remove cauliflower and toss in the Buffalo sauce. 

STEP 6: Serve immediately with your favorite blue cheese sauce, dipping sauce, and celery sticks.

Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Air fry the cauliflower in a single layer for even crisping. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of frying.
• Use fresh cauliflower – Fresh florets give a better crunch than frozen, but you can use frozen if you dry them well first.
• Coat evenly – Make sure every floret is coated in seasoning and sauce for that perfect Buffalo flavor in every bite.
• Adjust spice level – Add more or less hot sauce depending on how spicy you like it.
• Serve immediately – These bites are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the air fryer with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store any leftover Buffalo cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked and cooled cauliflower bites on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for best texture.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the cauliflower soft instead of crunchy.

Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe? While fresh cauliflower is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. However, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before coating and air frying to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make the bites spicier? Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce mixture to make the cauliflower bites spicier. Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? To store leftovers, let the cauliflower cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are crispy again, or use an oven or toaster oven.

Can I use different sauces for coating the cauliflower? Absolutely! While buffalo sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with other sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, teriyaki, or your favorite sauce to coat the cauliflower for different flavor variations.

What should I serve with Buffalo Cauliflower Bites? These bites are excellent, but you can serve them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing for a complete snack or appetizer.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a party? While these bites are best served fresh, you can prepare the cauliflower and flour coating in advance and store them separately. Reheat on a baking sheet for a quick side dish.

Can I make them less spicy for kids? Yes, you can make a milder version for kids by reducing the amount of hot sauce or using a mild buffalo sauce. You can also serve a non-spicy dipping sauce for those who prefer a milder flavor.

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