Which technique is similar to sifting in terms of aerating dry ingredients?

Whisking is the technique that closely resembles sifting when it comes to aerating dry ingredients. Both sifting and whisking introduce air into the mixture, which enhances the texture of the final product. Sifting is about passing dry ingredients through a mesh or sieve to break up clumps and add air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier consistency. Whisking serves a similar purpose, where vigorous mixing incorporates air into the dry ingredients, helping to achieve the desired lightness and volume.

In contrast, folding is a technique used for combining ingredients without deflating the mixture; it's often utilized for delicate batters or whipped creams. Blending generally refers to mixing ingredients until they are uniform but doesn't focus on incorporating air. Chopping involves cutting food into smaller pieces and does not contribute to aeration in any way. Thus, whisking is the best choice as it actively promotes the incorporation of air in dry mixtures, akin to the effects of sifting.