Sweet Potato Donuts with Vanilla Yogurt Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Potato Donuts offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the natural sweetness of orange sweet potatoes with a light, tender texture. These air-fried donuts are glazed with a simple vanilla icing, making them both comforting and easy to enjoy any time of day.

Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup Self-Rising Flour
- 1/2 cup Orange Sweet Potato Puree
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Plant-Based Yogurt
- 1 cup Icing Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Vanilla Plant-Based Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Almond Milk (if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the sweet potato, cut it into cubes, and place them in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and a lid.
- Step 2: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Drain the sweet potatoes in a sieve and let them steam for 30 minutes until cooled.
- Step 4: Mash the sweet potatoes into a smooth puree with a fork, then measure out 1/2 cup and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Step 5: Add the vanilla plant-based yogurt and self-rising flour to the bowl.
- Step 6: Stir until the mixture looks crumbly, then knead and squeeze it together to form a sticky dough. Sprinkle flour on your hands if needed. Form a rough dough ball and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Wash your hands, lightly oil them and the dough to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Step 8: Roll each portion between your oiled hands into small balls.
- Step 9: Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving about half a thumb’s space between them to allow for puffing.
- Step 10: Air fry the donuts at 350 °F (180 °C) for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly golden and dry on the outside. They will resemble small bread balls.
- Step 11: To make the glaze, stir together icing sugar, 3 tablespoons vanilla yogurt, and add almond milk a little at a time if the glaze is too thick.
- Step 12: Dip the lukewarm donuts into the glaze using two forks to coat them evenly, then place on a wire rack to let the glaze set and excess drip off.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, use all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup.
- For a spiced twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon to the dough.
- Use a regular yogurt if you prefer, or try coconut yogurt for a different flavor profile.
- Instead of air frying, you can bake the donuts at 350 °F (180 °C) for about 15-18 minutes until golden.
Storage
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven to maintain their texture. The glaze is best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed with a thin spread if it hardens.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes will change the flavor and sweetness, as sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and moisture. If using regular potatoes, consider adding a bit of sugar to balance the taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 350 °F (180 °C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
PrintSweet Potato Donuts with Vanilla Yogurt Glaze Recipe
These Sweet Potato Donuts are a delightful and healthier twist on classic donuts, made with orange sweet potato puree and air-fried to perfection. They are soft, lightly sweetened, and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze made from plant-based yogurt and icing sugar. Perfect as a snack or dessert for those seeking a gluten-free and vegan treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes boiling sweet potatoes)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 1 1/4 cup Self-Rising Flour
- 1/2 cup Orange Sweet Potato Puree
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Plant-Based Yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup Icing Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Vanilla Plant-Based Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Almond Milk (optional, if needed for thinning)
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potato into cubes. Place in a saucepan, cover with cold water and a lid, then bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium heat and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain and cool: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes in a sieve over the sink and let them steam out and cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Make the puree: Mash the cooled sweet potato cubes with a fork until smooth. Measure out the required 1/2 cup of puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the dough: Add the vanilla plant-based yogurt and self-rising flour to the sweet potato puree. Stir until crumbly, then knead and squeeze the mixture together to form a sticky dough. Sprinkle flour on your hands as needed to handle the dough. Shape into a rough dough ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Form donut balls: Wash your hands and lightly oil them and the dough to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a small ball between your oiled hands.
- Prepare for air frying: Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, spacing them about half a thumb apart to allow for puffing during cooking.
- Air fry the donuts: Cook the donuts at 350 °F (180 °C) for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly golden on the outside and dry to the touch, resembling small bread balls.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, mix the icing sugar with vanilla plant-based yogurt. Add almond milk a little at a time if the glaze is too thick, stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip the lukewarm sweet potato donut holes into the glaze using two forks to coat them evenly. Place them on a wire rack to let the glaze firm up and excess drip off before serving.
Notes
- Self-rising flour provides the necessary leavening; if unavailable, use all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt added.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are completely cooled before mashing to prevent a watery dough.
- Oiling hands and dough helps prevent stickiness and makes shaping easier.
- Spacing dough balls in the air fryer basket is crucial for even cooking and puffing.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted with almond milk for the perfect coating consistency.
Keywords: sweet potato donuts, air fryer donuts, gluten free donuts, vegan donuts, plant-based dessert, healthy sweet treats

