Yes, there is a cooking method where hot oil is poured over food to fry it without fully immersing the food in oil. This technique is known as "shallow frying" or "pan frying." In shallow frying, the food is partially submerged in hot oil, typically in a frying pan or skillet, and then flipped or turned over to ensure even cooking on both sides.
The main difference between shallow frying and deep frying is the amount of oil used and the depth to which the food is immersed. In deep frying, the food is fully submerged in hot oil, while in shallow frying, only a portion of the food comes into contact with the oil.
Shallow frying is commonly used for foods that don't require a deep crispy crust, like cutlets, pancakes, fritters, and certain types of seafood. It's a popular cooking method because it uses less oil than deep frying while still achieving a delicious, crispy exterior and a tender interior. However, you'll need to flip the food during cooking to ensure it's evenly fried on both sides.