Which of the following pastries is characterized by its airy and light texture?

Choux pastry is recognized for its distinctive airy and light texture due to its unique preparation method. When making choux pastry, a mixture of water, butter, flour, and eggs is used. The dough is cooked on the stovetop before being piped onto a baking sheet. The moisture in the dough turns to steam during baking, causing the pastry to puff up and create a hollow center. This structure is perfect for filling with cream, custard, or savory mixtures, making it a popular choice for eclairs and cream puffs.

In contrast, puff pastry consists of layers of dough and butter rolled together, which creates a flaky texture but not necessarily the same lightness as choux. Shortcrust pastry is dense and crumbly, designed primarily for tart and pie bases. Fillo pastry, on the other hand, consists of very thin layers of dough, which, while crisp, do not achieve the airy inside characteristic of choux. Hence, choux pastry stands out for its combination of lightness and versatility in sweet and savory dishes.