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 moist and tender. Common foods that are pan-fried include meats, vegetables, and fish. To pan fry, the pan is preheated, and oil is added to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, the food is placed in the pan and cooked until golden brown on one side before being flipped. This method is often used for dishes like chicken cutlets and stir-fried vegetables.