What does it mean fold in the flour and salt?

Folding is a technique used in baking to combine ingredients without over-mixing them. It involves gently cutting and turning a mixture with a spatula or spoon to incorporate ingredients without losing air.

When a recipe instructs you to fold in flour and salt, it means adding these ingredients to a mixture without stirring or beating, as this could cause the mixture to become tough or lose its lightness. Instead, you gently lift and turn the mixture with a spatula or spoon, folding it over itself, to incorporate the flour and salt evenly without deflating the air bubbles. This technique helps maintain the desired texture and consistency of the batter or dough.