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

transitive verb

: 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
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.
These are pan-fried rather than deep-fried, so the crust stays tender. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 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

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pan-fry was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pan-fry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pan-fry. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

panfry

verb
panfried; panfrying
: to cook in a frying pan with a small amount of fat
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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