The virtual crack extension technique is a very cfficient and accurate approach to fracture mechanics calculations in the numerical analysis of bodies containing cracks using the finite element method. A few variations of the technique have been described in the literature, and have been extensively used in linear elastic fracture mechanics, where good validation has frequently been available with accepted alternative solutions for standard tests. However, for non-linear materials extra complications arise in the technique, particularly in describing material response in a compatible manner. It is shown that, using few assumptions, a very competitive virtual crack extension technique based on a direct minimization of potential energy is available for elastic non-linear elastic materials. Such materials can be closely approximated to elastic-plastic behaviour for monotonically increasing loads including mechanical, thermal and body force forms. The technique is described and demonstrated via examples to he in good agreement with alternative fracture parameter evaluations when evaluated in the same computer system, BERSAFE.