Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically popping corn in heated seasoning oil. A rotary valve disk in a closed pot is operated to correlate the phases of corn and salt input into the pot, cooking, steam discharge, and discharge of popped corn and unpopped kernels by means of an air current. A deflector plate directs the air into a path for optimum corn evacuation through a downwardly facing outlet. The air current sweeps the corn and kernels through the outlet and along a curved path whereby the corn and kernels are separated from the air current. Thereafter the air current is recirculated into the pot. "Old maids" in the discharge of popped corn from the pot are trapped and separated therefrom for removal through a chute in one form, or through a screen in the bottom of the display case in another form.