Pack a punch: 27 packable meals for a legendary lunch

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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 shawarma wrap with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Potstickers

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

low angle shot of 3 filled chicken tikka wraps.
Chicken Tikka Wrap. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Chicken shawarma wrap with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of vietnamese summer rolls with edible flowers.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Yum woon sen salad on a white plate with a green napkin.
Yum Woon Sen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

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

Closeup shot of turkey burger sliders on a white tray.
Turkey Burger Sliders. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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

Chicken salad wrap cut open on a blue plate.
Chicken Salad Wraps. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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

Hummus stuffed pretzel bites.
Stuffed Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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

Image shows a close up of a Lasagna Pizza Appetizer topped with freshly grated parmesan sitting on a white plate with another one in the background.
Lasagna Pizzas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Combining lasagna and pizza, these individual portions are hearty and unique. They’re simple to pack and offer an Italian twist to your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas

Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas on a white tray with a bowl of guacamole to the left of them.
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Image shows Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough on a baking sheet.
Crescent Roll Bagel Dogs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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

Ham and cheese biscuits cut in half with mustard dipping sauce.
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

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

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