On 26 July 2010, Vernon signed for Aberdeen on a free transfer. Vernon made his first start and scored his first goal against Dundee United on 11 September 2010 with a hooked goal from the middle of the box into the top left hand corner. He then went on to score four goals in his next three appearances for the Dons, with goals against Motherwell and Rangers in the league and a double against Raith Rovers in the League Cup. Vernon scored another double against Hibernian in a 4–2 victory.