Pan frying is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil or fat in a shallow pan over medium to high heat. This technique allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Common foods that are pan-fried include meats, vegetables, and fish. To pan fry, the pan is preheated, and oil is added before placing the food in the pan. The food is cooked on one side until browned, then flipped to cook the other side. This method is often used for dishes like chicken cutlets or stir-fried vegetables.