Step 1: Prep the Fish

Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures that the coating adheres well during frying.

Step 2: Mix Coatings

In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture first, allowing excess to drip off. Then dredge it in the flour-cornmeal mixture until fully coated. This dual-layer coating will provide extra crunch.

Step 4: Heat the Grill and Frying Oil

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a skillet placed on the grill or stovetop, heat about half an inch of oil over medium heat until it shimmers—this indicates it’s hot enough for frying.

Step 5: Fry the Fish

Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet to maintain even cooking.

Step 6: Finish on Grill

Once fried, transfer the fillets to your preheated grill for an additional minute per side. This step adds a delightful smoky flavor that complements the crispy texture from frying.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from grill and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over your delicious fish fry grill creation!

Tips for Perfecting Your Fish Fry Grill Experience

• Choosing Your Fish: Opt for firm white fish like tilapia or cod; these hold up well during both frying and grilling.
   
• Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before adding fish—too low will make them greasy; too high may burn them quickly.

Variations to Try

Explore different coatings by adding herbs or spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with various dipping sauces such as tartar sauce or spicy aioli to enhance flavors further.