Don’t wrap your yams or sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Simply lay them on the foil.

You can drizzle vegetable or olive oil on the yams if you choose. Rub the oil evenly over the skins. [3] X Research source For a paleo or clean eating variation, coat the sweet potatoes or yams in coconut oil. [4] X Research source

Cooking time will vary depending upon the size of the yams. Larger yams will take longer to cook. The yams can take from 45 to 75 minutes to cook.

For a paleo or clean variation, cover with coconut butter and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Another clean option is to top with maple syrup or honey. Add brown or granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a sweeter taste. Add salt and pepper, paprika, or cumin for a more savory dish. Mix chili pepper with butter for a kick of spice.

An alternate way to cut the yams is to wash and leave the peel on the yams. Slice the yams into medallions, as narrow or wide as desired. [7] X Research source Eating the peel provides extra nutrients and aids in digestion. Just make sure to wash extremely well if you are going to eat the peeling.

For a sweeter dish, drizzle the yam chunks with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Alternately, add brown or white sugar. For a savory dish, sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the yams.

For potato wedges instead of fries, cut into eighths. The yams will be in long wedge shapes.

You can also season the fries with other spices. Try garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, curry, or seasoning salt in any combination. [10] X Research source To make the fries as a paleo or clean eating dish, use coconut oil instead. [11] X Research source

Don’t place the fries too closely together or stack them too high. You want them to crisp up.

If you would rather microwave chunks, peel and cut the yams. Cut them into chunks about an inch wide. Place into a microwave-safe bowl.

If you would like a sweeter potato, add 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) of brown sugar, white sugar, or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, or cinnamon or nutmeg. If you want a savory potato, add salt and pepper.

If you have whole yams, turn them over halfway through cooking. If you have chunks, shake the container to spread contents.