Vernon started the 2011–12 season as the first choice striker, playing initially alongside Darren Mackie, but forming a better partnership with Northern Ireland international Josh Magennis. Amid high pre-season expectations the Dons' failed to record a goals until their fifth game of the campaign. Vernon added to Robert Milsom's opener, to give Aberdeen their first victory of the season against Inverness. Vernon then went on to score a hat-trick later in the season against Dunfermline Athletic in a 4–0 win on 30 September. Vernon's goals became crucial, as Aberdeen tried to get away from the bottom of the table. In December 2011 he scored vital goals against St Mirren, St Johnstone and the winner against Hibernian. On 11 January 2012, Vernon sat next to teammate Andrew Considine as the pair signed extensions to their current contracts. Vernon's deal would see him stay at the club until the summer of 2014.