Clean the morel mushrooms by slicing them in half and rinsing gently under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.

Soak the morels in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize them.

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Dredge each morel mushroom in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.

Fry the mushrooms in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side).

Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!