Akinfenwa has now scored six times in six games since joining Northampton in January following his departure from Millwall.
He was too hot to handle for Walsall with a goal in each half to earn Northampton their third win in four games - stretching their impressive run to just one defeat in 11 matches in the
process.
Walsall failed to hit the heights that had seen them power into the top-six as they crashed to their first home defeat since losing 2-0 to Southend way back on October 20.
Walsall were stunned by Akinfenwa in the eighth minute and less than 60 second after wasting a golden chance to take the lead themselves.
Mark Little was dispossessed by Lee Holmes who fed a neat ball into the path of Tommy Mooney, but the Walsall skipper saw his powerful drive saved by Mark Bunn.
Walsall were still cursing their failure to take that chance when Akinfenwa chased a hopeful long clearance.
Ian Roper failed to deal with the bouncing ball, but Akinfenwa still had come to up with a classy piece of finishing to lob his shot over Clayton Ince.
Northampton should have increased their advantage before half-time, but Akinfenwa and Giles Coked failed to hit the target when well placed, while Joe Burnell was denied by Ince.
Walsall were lacking the threat that Akinfenwa gave Northampton and, after Mooney had seen a point-blank header saved by Bunn, their fate was sealed 19 minutes from time.
Akinfenwa gave Ince no chance with a powerful header after being picked out by a pinpoint cross from the hard working Danny Jackman.
To sum up Walsall's misery, Mooney then missed a sitter from close range after a nod down from Troy Deeney.