What Does KFC Fry Their Chicken In? A Complete Guide to KFC's Cooking Oil

The Short Answer

KFC fries their Original Recipe and Extra Crispy chicken in canola oil blends in most U.S. locations. Some international locations and certain U.S. restaurants may use palm oil blends or other vegetable oil combinations. Unfortunately for those avoiding seed oils, canola oil is indeed a highly processed seed oil that many health-conscious consumers try to avoid.

KFC's Cooking Process Explained

KFC's signature fried chicken goes through a specific cooking process that has remained largely unchanged since Colonel Sanders perfected his recipe. The chicken pieces are first marinated and coated in the famous blend of 11 herbs and spices mixed with flour. For Extra Crispy chicken, an additional coating process creates that signature crunchy texture.

The coated chicken is then pressure fried in specialized pressure fryers at approximately 315°F (157°C) for about 15 minutes. This pressure frying technique is what gives KFC chicken its distinctive texture: crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The pressure frying method also allows the chicken to cook faster than traditional open frying while absorbing less oil.

Each KFC location filters and maintains their frying oil throughout the day, typically changing it every few days depending on volume. The oil temperature and quality are monitored to ensure consistency across batches.

What Oil Does KFC Use?

According to KFC's allergen and ingredient information, their primary frying oil in the United States is low linolenic soybean oil and fully refined soybean oil. However, this can vary by location and region. Here's what we know about KFC's oil usage:

• United States: Primarily canola oil blends and soybean oil
• Canada: Canola oil is the standard
• UK and Europe: Often use rapeseed oil (which is essentially canola)
• Asia-Pacific: May use palm oil blends in some locations
• Middle East: Some locations use vegetable oil blends that may include palm

KFC has made efforts to reduce trans fats by moving away from partially hydrogenated oils. In 2007, they announced a switch to trans fat-free cooking oil in the U.S., which led to their current canola and soybean oil formulations.

Is It Seed Oil?

Yes, KFC's primary cooking oils are 100% seed oils. Both canola oil and soybean oil are extracted from seeds through intensive processing that typically involves:

• High-heat extraction methods
• Chemical solvents like hexane
• Deodorizing and bleaching processes
• Multiple refinement stages

These industrial seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. When consumed in excess, as is common in the modern Western diet, these oils can contribute to inflammation and various health issues. The processing methods also strip away naturally occurring antioxidants and can create harmful compounds.

Canola oil, despite its marketing as "heart-healthy," is derived from rapeseed that has been bred to reduce erucic acid content. The oil still requires extensive processing and is prone to oxidation, especially when repeatedly heated to high temperatures as in commercial deep frying.

SOS Rating: RED - KFC's fried chicken items receive our highest seed oil warning due to deep frying in canola or soybean oil.

What to Order Instead

If you're committed to avoiding seed oils but find yourself at KFC, you have limited but viable options:

• Grilled Chicken: KFC's grilled chicken is prepared on a grill without deep frying, though it may still contain some seed oils in marinades or seasonings
• Green Beans: One of the few sides not prepared with seed oils (check current ingredients as formulations change)
• Corn on the Cob: When available, typically just corn with butter
• House Side Salad: Without dressing, or bring your own seed oil-free dressing

Items to Absolutely Avoid:

• All fried chicken varieties (Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, Nashville Hot)
• Popcorn chicken and chicken strips
• Potato wedges and fries
• Biscuits (contain vegetable shortening)
• Mac and cheese (contains seed oil-based ingredients)
• Most sauces and dressings

Healthier Alternatives at Other Chains

If you're craving fried chicken but want to avoid seed oils, consider these alternatives:

• Chipotle: Their carnitas is cooked in its own fat without seed oils. Combine with rice, beans, and vegetables for a satisfying meal
• Five Guys: Burgers are cooked on a flat-top grill without added oils, and their fries are cooked in peanut oil (not a seed oil)
• In-N-Out: Uses beef tallow for frying in some locations, and burgers are grilled without seed oils
• Local restaurants: Many independent eateries are willing to accommodate requests for butter or olive oil preparation

For chicken specifically, look for restaurants that offer rotisserie or true grilled options without breading. Some grocery stores offer rotisserie chickens that are simply seasoned and roasted without added oils.

The Bottom Line

KFC's famous fried chicken is unfortunately cooked in industrial seed oils, making it a poor choice for those following a seed oil-free diet. The combination of high-heat frying and processed canola or soybean oil creates a product that, while delicious, may contribute to inflammation and other health concerns when consumed regularly.

The pressure frying process, while creating KFC's signature taste and texture, also means the chicken absorbs a significant amount of these problematic oils. Even their "healthier" grilled options may contain seed oils in marinades and seasonings.

For those committed to avoiding seed oils, KFC should generally be avoided except for very limited menu items. The widespread use of canola and soybean oil in their cooking process means that most menu items will contain these inflammatory oils.

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