Pan Fried vs. Deep Fried: Which Technique to Use When

Fried food is a beloved element of many cuisines, but the techniques for achieving that coveted golden, crispy exterior can vary. Two common frying methods are pan frying and deep frying, which are frequently mixed up despite their differences. We’re here to break down the nuances between pan fried vs. deep fried, and we’ll teach you how and when to use each technique. After all, there’s a time and place for both pan frying and deep frying, depending on what you’re cooking and how you want the final product to taste. Keep reading to level up your frying game—churros, chicken cutlets, and fried green tomatoes, here you come!

What Is Pan Frying?

Pan frying is a technique that’s typically executed in a shallow skillet over a stovetop with a small amount of fat, like canola or avocado oil. For this technique, heat the fat, then add the food, flipping midway through to ensure even cooking. Thin pieces of fish or meat tend to work well with this technique, such as this Pan Fried Lemon Sole or this Chicken Paillard. Pan frying is different from sautéing, which implies more tossing and moving, and searing, which requires intense, concentrated heat. It’s a quick, largely hands-off method of cooking something in a skillet with fat. 

Shallow frying is another version of pan frying, but with enough oil to reach roughly halfway up the food. This partial submersion method is a good option to mimic deep frying at home with less mess and excess oil. Try shallow frying these Crispy Fish Fillets or Crispy Chicken Cutlets, making sure to flip them halfway through for a crispy, browned crust on both sides.

What Is Deep Frying?

Deep frying is a technique defined by completely submerging food in hot oil, typically around 350-375 degrees. Common in restaurants, electric deep fryers are kitchen appliances that hold and heat cooking oil with adjustable temperature settings and a basket to transfer the food in and out. But, deep frying can also be done at home with any deep pot or saucepan and a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. Either way, deep frying results in foods with an ultra-crispy texture and speedy cooking time. 

Some common deep fried foods are French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, and tempura. Although deep frying may sound intimidating, it’s actually quite a simple, straightforward process.

Pan Fry vs. Deep Fry

Pan frying is generally better suited to smaller quantities of quick-cooking foods, like eggs and vegetables. Additionally, some delicate foods, like soft fish filets, can fall apart in the deep fryer and are better off pan fried. Another perk of pan frying is that you have more control over the result, since you can adjust the heat easily and flip the food as needed. 

On the other hand, deep frying allows for very quick, even cooking, and works better for large quantities of food. It’s also a more reliable method than pan frying for making foods ultra-crispy and uniformly cooked. Due to the amount of oil involved, deep frying can give foods a heavier, richer taste, whereas pan frying uses less oil and has a lighter effect.

Can You Pan Fry Instead of Deep Fry?

Typically, you can pan fry something instead of deep frying it, but in most cases there will be some differences in the final result. When pan frying instead of deep frying, make sure to preheat the oil properly, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in small batches helps the food cook more evenly and crisp up more easily. Also, since the food isn’t fully submerged when pan frying, make sure to turn it over midway through so that both sides cook fully. 

Is Pan Frying Healthier Than Deep Frying?

Pan frying is generally considered healthier than deep frying because it uses less cooking oil. However, foods can absorb a similar amount of oil when shallow fried (with the oil halfway up) as they do when deep fried, so it depends. If you’re looking to avoid oil, air frying is an alternative to both methods that requires little to no oil and still results in crispy food.