Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and rub together to extract the fragrant oil from the zest.
Add olive oil and mix on high speed until completely combined (preferably with the whisk attachment).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and mix on slow speed.
Add half of the lemon juice and continue mixing.
Add another 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by the rest of the lemon juice and the remaining flour mixture and beat until combined between each addition.
Stir in the thyme.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until they bounce back when touched.