To aerate means to mix with:

To aerate means to mix a substance with air. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including cooking and gardening. In cooking, aerating can involve incorporating air into mixtures to create a lighter texture, such as whipping cream or folding air into cake batter. In gardening, aeration refers to the process of introducing air into soil to improve oxygen availability to plant roots, which can enhance growth and health.

Choosing air as the answer reflects an understanding of the process and its impacts in practical applications, particularly in methods that aim for improved performance or quality, whether in culinary practices or soil management.