Sift the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt together into a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

Place the egg whites in a small mixing bowl and, using a handheld electric mixer, beat on high until soft peaks form. Set aside.

Place the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl. Still using the handheld electric mixer, beat on medium for 1 or 2 minutes to lighten. Add the milk and beat on low to blend. Add the flour mixture, beating to incorporate. When blended, add the melted butter and beat until thoroughly blended.

Fold the reserved egg whites into the batter, taking care to blend well.

Peels the apples. Using a long apple corer, line the end up with the apple core at the stem end and gently twist it all the way into the apple, making an even circle straight through the apple. Then, cut each apple crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices.

Place the oil for frying n a deep fat fryer, large shallpw saucepan, or large deep frying pan over high heat. Bring to 365 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.

Working with 1 piece at a time, dip the apple rings into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off, and gently drop into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry, turning once, for 3 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp.

Using a slotted spoon, lift the fried apple rings from the hot oil and place on a double layer of paper towel to drain.

Continue frying until all of the rings have been fried and drained.

Place the confections' sugar in a fine mesh sieve and tap the edge of the sieve over the apple fritters to lightly coat.

Serve warm, as is, or with melted butter and warm maple syrup.