How Does Sifting Achieve Aeration?

The process of allowing air to be combined into ingredients to make them lighter and/or create more volume, which may also be referred to as aeration. For example, sifting flour removes lumps and adds air making the resulting flour and typically the food dish using the flour, lighter in texture and consistency.

Does sifting aerate?

Sifting flour is a way of aerating your flour and making sure that there are no large lumps in it. Flour is very finely milled and it is typically packed in small bags, where it gets packed down easily. This is especially true of cake flour, which has an exceptionally fine texture.

Does sifting flour add air?

Sifting flour is basically the same thing as aerating flour, so all you are doing when sifting your flour is adding more air to the mixture. With the additional air, your flour will likely create lighter, fluffier pastries and cakes, so if light and airy is what you are going for, then you absolutely need to sift.