Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; grease a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl; set aside.

Whisk oil, milk, egg, and almond extract together in a small bowl.

Pour into flour mixture; stir gently until incorporated.

Fold cherries into the batter.

Spoon batter into the muffin cups, filling each 2/3 of the way full.

Bake muffins in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar on top.

Remove from pan and allow to cool before serving.