The present invention relates to a method for popping kernels, comprising generating a standing microwave energy field in a single-mode resonant microwave applicator, wherein the standing microwave energy field comprises an array of one or more high intensity microwave region, providing a heating chamber encompassing the one or more hot zones, delivering kernels to the heating chamber and moving the kernels through the high intensity microwave region within the heating chamber, subjecting kernels to the microwave energy in the one or more high intensity microwave regions, sufficient to cause the kernels to pop and produce popped flakes, and selectively discharging popped flakes from the heating chamber by upward airflow.
