Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 1/2 cup sized muffin tin. Sift all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt Combine sugar, oil, egg, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest in a large bowl; whisk to combine.
Mix dry ingredients and sugar mixture. Add apples and pecans. Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool slightly on rack. Serve warm.
Servings: 12 muffins