Creamy avocado on toasted sourdough, topped with fresh tomatoes and crispy, spiced Cajun chickpeas. This is the energizing, protein-packed breakfast I make every single week and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Jump to Recipe
Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Not because they’re fancy or complicated but because they just work. This Cajun avocado toast is that recipe for me.
I eat this every single week. I’m not exaggerating, if you checked my kitchen on any given morning, you’d find me standing at the counter with a piece of sourdough in one hand and a bowl of crispy chickpeas cooling in the air fryer. It’s become ritual at this point.
What makes this different from your average avocado toast? Two words: cajun chickpeas. They’re crispy, smoky, a little spicy, and packed with protein. They take a basic avocado toast and turn it into something genuinely satisfying. It’s the kind of breakfast that keeps you energized and full until lunch without weighing you down. It’s packed with nutrients and gives you that boost you need to power through your morning.
Want to save this recipe for later? Add it to your food board on Pinterest!

📖 Recipe Overview
Here’s what makes this Cajun avocado toast so special:
- Packed with Protein — Chickpeas bring the protein and fiber that regular avocado toast is missing, making this a truly fulfilling breakfast.
- Ready in 25 Minutes — Most of that is hands-off time while the chickpeas crisp up in the air fryer.
- Customizable Heat — Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Nutrient-Dense — Between the avocado, chickpeas, and fresh tomatoes, you’re getting healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in one meal.
- 100% Plant-Based — No dairy, no eggs, just real food.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this quick breakfast:

Cajun Chickpeas
- Chickpeas — One 8 oz can, drained and patted dry. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
- Cajun seasoning — This brings the heat and that beautiful smoky depth. Use your favorite blend or make your own.
- Smoked paprika — Adds warmth and a gorgeous color to the chickpeas.
- Garlic powder + onion powder — The flavor base. Simple but essential.
- Oregano — A little herby note that rounds everything out.
- Olive oil — Just enough to help the spices coat the chickpeas evenly and promote crisping.
- Salt + black pepper — Season to taste.
Toast
- Sourdough bread — My bread of choice. The tangy flavor and chewy texture pair perfectly with creamy avocado. Use any crusty bread you love.
- Ripe avocado — You want it perfectly ripe — gives when you press it gently but isn’t mushy.
- Beefsteak tomato — Thick, juicy slices. They add a beautiful freshness and color on top.
- Lime juice — A squeeze of lime brightens up the avocado and keeps it from browning.
- Red pepper flakes — For that extra kick on top. Optional but highly recommended.
🥣 How to Make Cajun Avocado Toast
The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a step-by-step walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Season the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This step matters — dry chickpeas = crispy chickpeas. Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Air Fry Until Crispy
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on your air fryer tray. Cook at 380°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden, crunchy on the outside, and have that irresistible roasted aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Prep the Avocado
While the chickpeas are crisping up, mash your avocado in a small bowl with the lime juice, salt, and pepper. I like mine slightly chunky, not completely smooth, but that’s personal preference.

Step 4: Assemble
Toast your sourdough until golden and crisp. Spread the mashed avocado generously over each slice. Layer on your tomato slices, then pile on those beautiful crispy Cajun chickpeas. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and enjoy!

💡 Tips & Notes
Eat immediately. The magic is in the contrast between creamy avocado and crunchy chickpeas — that contrast fades if it sits too long.
Pat those chickpeas dry. I can’t stress this enough. The drier they go into the air fryer, the crunchier they come out.
Don’t skip the lime juice. It brightens the avocado and balances the smoky heat of the chickpeas.
Make extra chickpeas. They’re incredible on salads, grain bowls, or just as a snack. I usually double the batch.
Use a thick-cut sourdough. A sturdier slice holds up better under all those toppings without getting soggy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Spread the chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through. They won’t get quite as crunchy as the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I use a different bread? Absolutely. Ciabatta, whole wheat, rye, or even a good gluten-free bread would work great. Sourdough is just my personal favorite.
How do I pick a ripe avocado? Gently squeeze it. It should give slightly without feeling mushy. If it’s rock hard, leave it on the counter for a day or two.
Is this meal prep friendly? You can make the Cajun chickpeas ahead and store them in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp. But the avocado and toast should be made fresh.

🍳 More Breakfast Recipes
If you loved this Cajun avocado toast, you might also enjoy these:
💛 Did You Make This?
I’d love to see your creation! Tag me on Instagram @dedetable or use the hashtag #dedetable so I can find your photos. And if you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below — it helps so much and I read every single one.
📖 Avocado Toast with Cajun Chickpeas

Creamy avocado on toasted sourdough, topped with fresh tomatoes and crispy, protein-packed Cajun chickpeas. The breakfast I make every week — easy, fulfilling, and energizing.

Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Add chickpeas, olive oil, and all spices to a bowl. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Add chickpeas to air fryer tray and cook for 15–20 minutes or until crispy, shaking halfway through.
- Toast bread slices until golden and crisp.
- In a bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the toasted bread.
- Top with desired amount of tomato slices and Cajun chickpeas. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Cajun chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes before serving.
- Oven alternative: No air fryer? Roast chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Make it your own: Try adding everything bagel seasoning or nutritional yeast on top of the avocado for extra flavor.
- Bread choice: Any sturdy, crusty bread works; sourdough, ciabatta, or a good gluten-free loaf.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving based on 2 servings)
| Nutrition | # |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 11g |
Nutrition information is approximate and may vary.
This post was originally published on 01.06.25.
Filed Under: Breakfast
Tagged: vegan avocado toast, cajun chickpeas, plant-based breakfast, high protein breakfast, dairy free, egg free, air fryer chickpeas
