variants
or less commonly pan fry
or panfry
pan-fried also pan fried or panfried; pan-frying also pan frying or panfrying; pan-fries also pan fries or panfries
: to cook in a frying pan with a small amount of fat
Pan-fry the onions until golden-brown.
The fish fillets may be baked or pan-fried.
Examples of pan-fry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These pies are also pan-fried instead of deep-fried, which helps keep the crust tender.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
To prepare this dish in advance, bread and pan-fry the chicken as directed.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Brasier This Le Creuset braiser is built for one-pot meals, from pan-frying and braising to slow-cooking short ribs, chili, and casseroles.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
These light, fluffy gnocchi have grated cheese in the dough and are pan-fried for a crispy exterior.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
To prepare this dish in advance, bread and pan-fry the chicken as directed.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Brasier This Le Creuset braiser is built for one-pot meals, from pan-frying and braising to slow-cooking short ribs, chili, and casseroles.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
These light, fluffy gnocchi have grated cheese in the dough and are pan-fried for a crispy exterior.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pan-fry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pan-fry. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share