How do you dry fry a pan?

To "dry fry" a pan means to completely dry it, usually after washing, by applying heat on the stovetop. Here's how you do it:

Steps to Dry Fry a Pan

1. Wash and Rinse: Thoroughly wash the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any food residue or grease. Rinse completely to remove all soap.

2. Initial Drying: Towel-dry the pan as much as possible with a clean dish towel. This speeds up the process and minimizes water spots.

3. Apply Heat: Place the damp pan on a stovetop burner.

4. Low to Medium Heat: Turn the burner on to low or medium heat. Avoid high heat, which could potentially damage some pans or coatings.

5. Monitor: Watch the pan closely. You'll see steam evaporating.

6. Rotate (If Needed): If you notice areas drying faster than others, rotate the pan to ensure even heating and drying. This is particularly important for larger pans.

7. Complete Drying: Continue heating until all visible moisture has evaporated. The pan should feel warm to the touch (be careful not to burn yourself!), but completely dry. This usually takes a minute or two.

8. Turn off Heat: Once the pan is completely dry, turn off the burner.

9. Cool Slightly: Allow the pan to cool slightly before storing it to prevent condensation or moisture buildup when stacked with other cookware.

By following these steps, you can effectively "dry fry" your pan, ensuring it's completely dry and ready for its next use.