Ready to break free from the same old lunch routine? Here is a lineup of 27 unconventional lunchbox meals that are way more exciting than your typical sandwich. From Air Fryer creations to international favorites, these recipes promise to make your lunchbox the talk of the office.
Chicken Potstickers
These potstickers add an Asian flair to your lunchbox with their succulent chicken filling. They are easy to pack and can be enjoyed either hot or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Indian Frankies
Indian Frankies serve as a versatile, handheld meal filled with your choice of spiced meat or paneer. They offer a flavorful alternative to the standard sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies
Samosas
These triangular pastries are filled with spiced potatoes and peas, offering a savory lunchbox addition. They are compact, making them easy to pack and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Samosas
Chicken Kathi Rolls
With spiced chicken wrapped in flatbread, Chicken Kathi Rolls offer a filling, flavorful lunch. They are handheld and simple to eat, making them convenient for an office lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls
Air Fryer Empanadas
These Latin American pastries are made healthier in the Air Fryer. Filled with meats or veggies, they make for a robust, satisfying lunch that’s easy to handle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Chicken Tikka Wrap
This wrap incorporates chicken tikka for a spicy, protein-rich meal. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a more sophisticated alternative to a regular sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Mochiko Chicken
This Hawaiian-inspired dish features chicken marinated in a soy-sesame sauce. It’s easily portioned and remains flavorful even when eaten at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Prepared in the Air Fryer, these wraps provide a lighter twist on traditional Middle Eastern shawarma. They pack easily and offer diverse flavors, elevating the typical lunch fare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Air Fryer Taquitos
These taquitos are a simple yet satisfying Mexican-inspired lunch option. Prepared in the Air Fryer, they’re a healthier alternative that’s also easy to pack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Paneer Rolls
Paneer Rolls are filled with spiced paneer and vegetables, offering a meat-free lunch alternative. They’re portable and easy to eat, making them a good option for on-the-go meals.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls
Pork Belly Banh Mi
This Vietnamese sandwich replaces typical lunch meat with juicy pork belly. Paired with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, it offers a refreshing change from the usual fare.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Chicken Pakora
These Indian fritters are made from marinated chicken covered in a gram flour batter. They are snackable and easy to eat, adding a touch of exotic flavor to your lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Filled with fresh herbs, shrimp, and vermicelli, these rolls are a lighter yet satisfying lunch option. They bring a touch of elegance to your regular meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Yum Woon Sen
This Thai glass noodle salad is a cold dish that holds well until lunchtime. It offers a refreshing and different approach to your standard midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen
Onion Samosas
Filled with spiced onions, these samosas elevate your lunch game. They’re small enough for easy packing but big on flavor, making them a unique option.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Thai Curry Puffs
These pastries are filled with curry-flavored meat and vegetables. Easy to pack and exciting to eat, they bring a burst of Thai flavor to your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs
Chicken Yaki Udon
This Japanese dish offers stir-fried udon noodles and a savory sauce. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both simple to pack and flavorful, easily outdoing any sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon
Burger Mini Bites
These small burger patties are served on mini buns for easy packing and eating. They offer a familiar but scaled-down take on the classic burger for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites
Turkey Burger Sliders
These sliders are leaner but flavorful, easily fitting into a lunchbox. They offer a protein-rich and less bulky alternative to a traditional burger.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders
Chicken Salad Wraps
These wraps contain creamy chicken salad, providing a protein-packed lunch. They’re easy to make and bring a different texture to your lunchtime meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Wraps
Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Filled with cheese or meat, these pretzel bites are a savory treat. They’re a simple and enjoyable alternative to standard midday fare.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Made in an Air Fryer, these drumsticks offer a less greasy but still satisfying chicken option. They’re easy to pack and substantial enough for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks
Lasagna Pizzas
Combining lasagna and
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Filled with beef and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these empanadas are robust and satisfying. They pack a flavorful punch and serve as a full meal, easily beating any sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
These bagel dogs are a convenient and simple twist on the classic hot dog. Easy to pack and eat, they make for a straightforward yet enjoyable lunch.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
These biscuits have ham and cheese baked right into them, making for a less messy eating experience. They’re a straightforward and enjoyable change from the traditional sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Filled with chicken and cheese, these crescent rolls offer a convenient, handheld meal. They’re easy to pack, simple to eat, and provide a pleasant change from the standard fare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls