If Mondays feel a bit heavy, you’re definitely not the only one — that’s why Meat-Free Mondays are such a great way to start the week with feel-good, flavour-packed meals that are healthier and kinder to the planet. Whether you’re already vegetarian or just looking to eat a little less meat, these meat free recipes are ideal for busy families, midweek meal preppers, and home cooks who rely on time-saving gadgets like the air fryer and slow cooker. 

All five of these recipes come straight from Bored of Lunch — tried, tested, and loved by thousands across the UK and Ireland. No faff, no fuss — just quick, healthy vegetarian recipes that make the most of your kitchen gadgets and taste incredible. 

If you’re new to Meat-Free Mondays, let me break it down — the idea’s simple. Just skip meat for one day a week and try something plant-based instead. I’ve found it’s a great way to eat more veggies without really thinking about it, save a bit on the food shop (which let’s be honest, we all need right now!), get the kids trying new flavours, and do a little good for the planet too. Most importantly, it helps break up the routine when dinner starts to feel a bit samey every week.

Now, I know what you might be thinking — if you’re a busy parent, working full-time, or just want something quick on the table, veggie meals might sound like more hassle. But trust me, they don’t have to be. I rely on the air fryer and slow cooker to take care of most of the hard work, and honestly, some of the easiest meals I make are meat-free. It’s all about keeping it simple, tasty, and stress-free — that’s what Meat-Free Mondays should be all about.

Switching up your routine for Meat-Free Mondays doesn’t need to be a big deal. In fact, it’s often about small swaps rather than major overhauls. Here are a few tips to help you make it part of your week: 

Start with dishes you already love   

Think pasta, curry, stir-fries — then just swap out the meat for plant-based alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or cheese. 

Use your slow cooker and air fryer to your advantage 

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you get on with your day, or use the air fryer for quick dinners when you’re short on time. 

Make it a family event 

Get the kids involved in making wraps, sprinkling cheese, or mixing the sauce. It’s a good way to get them excited about trying something new. 

Double up 

Always cook extra — vegetarian recipes tend to freeze well and reheat easily, saving you time later in the week. 

One of the biggest reasons people skip meat-free recipes is the fear they’ll be time-consuming or bland. But honestly, the air fryer and slow cooker have totally changed the game. The air fryer crisps up veggies like halloumi, aubergine, and falafel in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven, giving you quick, delicious results. Meanwhile, the slow cooker transforms cheaper ingredients like lentils, tinned tomatoes, and beans into rich, flavour-packed dinners with barely any effort.

Whether you’re a full-time veggie or just testing the waters, Meat-Free Mondays are a brilliant way to add variety to your meals, save a bit of cash, and get more out of your gadgets.  So if you’re stuck in a dinner rut or just fancy trying something different next Monday — give one (or all!) of these a go. And if you’re already doing Meat-Free Mondays, tag me in your creations on social media 🙂 

Want even more ideas? Check out some more of my vegetarian air fryer recipes over on www.boredoflunch.com or grab one of my cookbooks — packed with air fryer, slow cooker and meat-free recipes for every day of the week. 

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Air Fryer Lunches: 25 Recipes You Need to Try

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