Engine braking occurs when the retarding forces within an engine are used to slow a vehicle down, as opposed to using an additional external braking mechanisms such as friction brakes. It can be as simple as just rolling off the throttle. Often times, when switching from a higher gear to a lower gear a rider can obtain a slowing effect more so than just rolling off the throttle.
We should note that there isn’t a right or wrong; rather, it comes down to preference and what you think is safest.