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.
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 Meanwhile, pan-frying yields the same crispy results with much less fuss. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 19 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 5 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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