The present invention is directed to methods and systems for making partially popped popcorn. The invention comprises the steps of providing a plurality of corn kernels of the zea mays everta variety soaking the plurality of corn kernels with water at substantially room temperature for a period of time sufficient to increase the pre-existing moisture content of less than about 15% water to a modified moisture content of greater than about 18% water dewatering the soaking water away from the plurality of corn kernels and forcing heated air upwardly through the perforated screen while the perforated screen is being vibrated such that the plurality of corn kernels having a modified moisture content of greater than about 18% water is suspended and heated above the perforated screen by the heated air thereby causing heating and expansion of the plurality of corn kernels to thereby yield the partially popped popcorn.
